Failing to translate flood forecasts into timely messages that tell people what they need to do to stay safe can have tragic consequences. In Texas and elsewhere, the solution is more wide-ranging than fixing any single channel of communication.

“The biggest thing is making sure you have a plan ahead of time when it’s not raining,” he said. “I highly recommend weather.gov/safety/flood. That will walk you through flood preparedness tips and what to do before, during, and after an event.”

Floodwaters overtook some areas of western Virginia Friday evening as more than 15 million people were at risk of dangerous flash floods in pockets of nearly every region of the contiguous United States as the nation’s summer of flooding continues.

Early on Thursday morning the National Weather Service's Lake Charles office announced that it would be expanding the flash flood warning that previously went as far west as Vermillion Parish to include Calcasieu, Cameron, Allen, Jefferson Davis and Beauregard parishes. The watch is in effect from 7 a.m. on Thursday to 7 p.m. on Saturday.

Several historic and deadly flash flooding events have occurred in the U.S. just within the month of July alone. Experts talk about what factors are increasing the risks.

Showers and thunderstorms are forecast each day this weekend, starting July 18, as areas of thunderstorms and heavy rain move across the country. A heat wave is also expected. According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, there is a heightened flooding threat for portions of the Ohio Valley.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Kate Abshire says Flash Flood Alley contains several flooding characteristics to create the perfect storm.

"Life-threatening flash flooding" is ongoing in Kerr and Gillespie Counties -- including the areas of Kerrville, Comfort, Ingram, Hunt, Mountain Home, Waltonia, Harper, Kerrville-Schreiner Park and Cypress Creek -- according to the National Weather Service.