Forecasters, NH Department Of Safety Warns Of Flooding

CONCORD, NH — Heavy rains could cause flooding around New Hampshire counties on Sunday, according to forecasters and state public safety officials.

Around 4 a.m. on Sunday, a hazardous weather outlook was issued by the National Weather Service for nearly the entire state, including Hillsborough, Merrimack, and Rockingham counties.

“Showers and embedded thunderstorms will bring locally heavy rains to the area through this morning with some potential for localized flooding,” the alert stated.

The New Hampshire Department of Safety followed up that alert with a note about road closures and residents near waterways that could become flooded.

People in communities with flooding should take action, officials stated, and seek higher ground immediately while avoiding all floodwaters. Stay aware of changing conditions and heed instructions from local safety officials, a statement said.

“Never drive through flooded roadways,” Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Jennifer Harper said. “If you are in a vehicle, turn around, don’t drown. The majority of flood deaths occur in vehicles. If you need emergency assistance, dial 9-1-1.”

New Hampshire Department of Transportation Commissioner Victoria Sheehan added that water may be deeper than it actually appears. Sharp objects, too, could be hidden in the water and not seen by drivers.

“For your safety please do not travel through flooded roadways,” she said. “A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in seconds 12 inches of water can float a car or small SUV, 18 inches of water can carry away large vehicles.”

Campers staying at sites along rivers and streams, and campgrounds in low-lying areas, are encouraged to evacuate if flooding occurs, according to officials.

The latest weather conditions can be found on the front page of every Patch.com site in the United States including the 12 New Hampshire Patch news and community websites. Local weather reports for New Hampshire are posted on Sundays and Thursdays. Alerts are published when needed.

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