The National Weather Service released a flash flood warning at 1:17 p.m. on Saturday in effect until 3:45 p.m. for Franklin and Hampshire counties.

Back-to-back flooding disasters in recent years — in Texas, New Mexico and Kentucky, among many others — have showed that preparing for flash flooding is a new necessity as the planet warms. And there’s no more dangerous time for a flash flood than after dark;

Scholars and designers of early warning systems say that there are still huge gaps in our ability to predict flash floods and warn those at risk.

Straighter, smoother streams flow more violently than those that meander due to a reduction in friction. Areas with steeper terrain can see water accelerate downhill at a much faster rate causing a more destructive flash flood than flatter, open areas.

At least three people were killed by historic flash floods in a New Mexico mountain community that suffered devastating wildfires last year, officials said late Tuesday.

An analysis of National Weather Service job vacancies found that in more than a third of offices overseeing flash flood hotspots, one or more of three senior leadership roles are open.

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.

In the Midwest, quarter-sized hail and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, while in the South, flood alerts are in effect for areas that were devastated by flash floods last week.