DANA: away from the water and up high, without hesitating.
A DANA can dump months of rain in a few hours. Flash floods arrive fast, even where it isn't raining. With an orange or red warning, the priority is to stay out of the water's path.
What to do, and when
What decides how long you can hold out
What people ask most
What is a DANA?
An isolated upper-level low (a "cold drop"): a pocket of cold air high up that, over a warm sea, can cause torrential rain in a very short time.
Why not cross a dry riverbed?
Because water can arrive all at once from areas where it is raining, even if not a drop is falling where you are.
What does each warning colour mean?
Yellow: take care. Orange: significant risk, get ready. Red: extraordinary risk, follow instructions and don't travel.
Guides to help you prepare
Loading articles…
Your 72-hour plan
The checklist so your home can last three days without power, without water or without going out.
Download the planIs your home prepared?
Take the test and find out what you're missing to be prepared.
Take the test