FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Recent torrential rains reminded many living along the Gulf Coast that flooding isn’t restricted to the unwanted occurrence of tropical storms and hurricanes. A triad of low fronts dumped massive amounts of rain, making area rivers and streams overflow their banks. The systems caused extensive damage to homes and other property in Baldwin and Mobile counties.

“The event we had a couple of weeks ago was very unusual,” said Jeff Garmon, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Mobile. “We received 12-15 inches in some spots.”

He pointed out that the area runs neck and neck with New Orleans when it comes to the amount of rainfall received by medium-size cities. Seattle, Wash. has more rain days annually, however.

Garmon said, “Even though we’re one of the wettest cities in the country, having a two-day rainfall of over a foot was rather unusual. This was some of the heaviest rainfall since (Hurricane) Georges in 1998.”

Baldwin County and the Florida panhandle took it on the chin from the recent storms. Garmon said the central parts of Baldwin as well as Escambia County, Fla. north of Interstate 10 experienced the greatest amount of rain.

Pensacola is slowly approaching normal rainfall totals, he said, while Mobile is currently a few inches above normal. But, even though the rains subsided, we’re not out of the woods.

“We’ve still got some streams above normal, and rivers north of Mobile are above normal,” Garmon said. “We’ve also got above-normal ground moisture. We (just) had heavy rainfall in central Mississippi and central Alabama. It’s still working its way down. It’s something we need to keep an eye on. People need to be aware of it.

NWS and Federal Emergency Management Agency officials warn floodwaters can be swift and powerful, and at times even deadly. Advanced planning is important to avoid becoming a victim.

“Knowing what you can do to protect against the impact of flooding is critical in keeping your family, home and financial well-being secure,” stated Ed Connor, acting federal insurance administrator for FEMA’s mitigation directorate. “Purchasing flood insurance is one important step you can take now. Many residents incorrectly believe that homeowners insurance covers the costs of flooding, but in fact, only a flood policy can.”

To help residents stay ahead of the curve, NWS in cooperation with FEMA’s FloodSmart program, have launched a new Web page, www.floodsmart.gov/noaafloodweek, that illustrates the effects and cost of flooding. The site also provides important information on what to know and do before, during and after a flood, and a variety of safety tips and online tools, including one that lets one see whether their homes and businesses are threatened at various flood stages.

Jack Hayes, NWS director, noted recently, “Floods claim nearly 100 lives and cost billions in property damage in the United States annually. Spring is peak flood season in many parts of the country, but floods can happen anywhere, at any time of the year. Many lives could be saved by following some simple and essential flood safety tips.”

There are several things one can do to prevent becoming a victim. Take time to review flood safety information and preparedness tips so that you will know what to do if suddenly faced with a flood. Always seek information from credible local and federal emergency planning agencies.

Recommended Web resources include:

•National Weather Service Flood Safety — www.weather.gov/floodsafety

•National Weather Service “Turn Around Don’t Drown” — www.weather.gov/os/water/tadd

•FEMA’s FloodSmart — www.floodsmart.gov

•FEMA’s flood page — www.fema.gov/hazard/flood

Consider what steps you can take now and what steps you will need to take if your home or business floods. Also be sure you know what to do if you encounter flooding while driving or outdoors. Some tips are:

•Create an evacuation plan before flooding occurs.

•Discuss flood plans with your family. Everyone should know what to do in case family members are not together when a flood occurs.

•Purchase flood insurance. Talk to your insurance agent about your coverage options.

NWS also advises to use a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards to receive up-to-date emergency information when a flood strikes. Also, evacuate immediately, if advised to do so; turn around if a road is flooded because it may be more dangerous than it appears; and keep emergency supplies on hand, such as nonperishable food, medicine, maps, a flashlight and a first-aid kit.

A good way to learn about flood risk is by visiting NWS’s Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service Web site at www.weather.gov/water. Click on your location on the U.S. map in the center of the page to learn about conditions in the area. Flood inundation maps are available at www.weather.gov/ahps/inundation.php.