AhaBulbStuff Everyone Should Know
AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/scout-flood-six-inches

How deep does fast-moving floodwater need to be to knock over an adult?

Just 6 inches.

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  1. 6 inches ✔
  2. 3 feet
  3. 5 feet

Why: Fast water is much stronger than it looks. Six inches can knock over an adult, so never walk or wade into flood water.

Huh, didn't know that: The National Weather Service says 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars.

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What did the river say to the hiker? Water you doing here?
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References

Answer: 6 inches. Fast water is much stronger than it looks. Six inches can knock over an adult, so never walk or wade into flood water.

  1. Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service) www.weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown
    A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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