When it rains, it pours,
but you've never seen anything like this.
It's been raining for weeks on end.
The streets have stopped draining
and you're seeing the water
creep toward your house.
It's not going to be long
before it comes through the front door
and destroys everything inside.
A megaflood happens
when lengthy superstorms
overwhelm rivers and infrastructure,
destroying everything in their path.
And no,
this isn't some apocalyptic movie plot.
Thanks to climate change
this is becoming more likely.
In some regions,
the odds of this happening
right now are 1 in 50.
If the level of the world's production
of greenhouse emissions
continues over the next 40 years,
the chances of a mega flood
will increase by 374%.
“This is incredibly scary!
Okay, we’re backing up, we’re backing up.”
The Golden State's blue skies
will soon turn gray
and you better be prepared for it.
Based on two models,
scientists have theorized
how California would be
affected by a megaflood.
According to a historical model,
a megaflood could fill
the Sierra Nevada mountain range
with more than 2 m (6.5 ft) of water.
In other parts of the state,
heavy rainfall would follow this
for at least a month.
The rainfall would freeze
on mountain peaks,
eventually leading
to a massive runoff to lower elevations
and overflowing rivers.
If you live in a coastal town
or a flood-prone area, be prepared.
Make sure to regularly look
at the Emergency Alert System (EAS)
and the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Have a bag of supplies
ready to go at any time.
You'll need non-perishable food,
water for several days
and phone chargers.
Following the news can be a bit boring,
but during a superstorm,
it can save your life.
They’ll let you know
when it's time to evacuate.
And when you do,
follow the instructions
provided by state officials.
They'll make sure you can avoid
added risks
like collapsing bridges
or fast moving water.
No matter how bad
the increased traffic gets
or how desperate you're feeling,
driving around barricades
can put you in a much worse position.
Everyone in your area is following
the same evacuation plan as you,
and the roads are packed with vehicles.
The water has reached your car
and rising fast.
You need to get out of the car,
but don't try to walk or swim.
You could be hit by debris and drown.
Get to the roof of your vehicle
and keep your eyes on social media
for alerts and updates.
Wait for information
about what you should do,
or if there are emergency crews
on the way.
When it's safe to return home,
keep in mind
that it could be destroyed.
Floodwaters can introduce
dangerous bacteria
and mold into your home.
Wear protective gloves, boots and masks
when handling your damaged property.
If you have any respiratory issues
like asthma,
you better stay away from there.
Your quick thinking
helped you survive the mega flood.
But what about other disasters?
Do you feel the winds
of a hurricane coming?
Let us teach you a thing or two
about that destructive force of nature.
Here.