Flood Watch Issued For Parts Of New Hampshire, White Mountains

BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A Flood Watch has been issued for several New Hampshire counties and parts of the White Mountains as another round of rain is expected to start late Thursday night.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Cheshire, Coos, Grafton, and Sullivan counties. The flooding area includes the White Mountains, a popular vacation spot.

The New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is asking residents and vacationers to prepare for possible flooding.

“With more rain in the forecast and the possibility of additional flooding, the safety of residents and visitors is of upmost importance,” Governor Chris Sununu said in a statement. “Plan ahead, be prepared, monitor local weather forecasts, and be on alert for changing conditions.”

Robert Buxton, Director of the New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said he wants people camping at sites along the river and at low-lying campgrounds to know what to do in the event of an evacuation.

 “Prepare your emergency kit now for at least three days and make sure your family is familiar with your emergency plan," he said. "Don’t forget to include your pets."

Buxton's safety tips are below:

• Get to higher ground if flooding starts.
• Listen for updates from the National Weather Service and local officials regarding road closures.
• Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 1 foot of water can sweep your vehicle away.
• If you must evacuate be sure to disconnect electrical appliances.
• If floodwaters rise around your car but the water isn't moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. If the water is moving do not leave the car.
• Avoid floodwaters as they could be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. The water could also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Never attempt to drive down a closed road or move traffic barriers.

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