As Indiana observes Severe Weather Preparedness Week, the focus is on flooding, which is the leading cause of weather related deaths in the US. Over the past decade, flooding has averaged about 89 deaths per year, while the 30-year average rises to roughly 113 fatalities annually. This is compared to tornadoes' average of around 48 deaths per decade and about 72 deaths annually over the past 30 years. Even straight line wind, which often occurs during severe thunderstorms, can be more dangerous than many people realize. The week is part of a statewide effort to raise awareness about severe storms, tornadoes, flooding, and other hazardous weather.