Flash floods can strike without warning—and if you’re caught in one while driving, every second counts. Flood safety begins with preparation, knowing how to protect yourself and your family could be a vital tool in a dire situation.

The NWS Wakefield VA released a flash flood warning at 3:50 p.m. on Thursday in effect until 7 p.m. The warning is for Camden, Currituck and Pasquotank counties.

Recent flash flooding in Texas​, New Mexico​ and North Carolina​ is highlighting the extreme danger of these natural disasters and the need to be prepared.

The country has suffered several major flash flooding events since July Fourth. Here’s what’s happened and why flooding is so common this time of year.

Prayers are pouring in for Chapel Hill, North Carolina on Monday morning. Days after much of Texas was rocked by devastating flash flooding, much of North Carolina has been rocked on Monday. A significant portion of Chapel Hill,

Heavy rain and flash flooding caused road closures and evacuations. In these pictures taken by Joe Nanney who lives at East Grate Crossing in Chapel Hill you can see people walking in water almost up to their knees.

Central North Carolina faces widespread power outages and flooding due to Tropical Depression Chantal. Over 32,000 residents are affected.

Several communities south of Boston saw just as much as over 5 inches of rain, with some of those same areas being hit with flash flooding on their streets. Flash flooding resulted in closures along parts of Interstate 93 in Milton and Quincy.