NY weather update: Flood warning for Delaware County until Thursday night

The National Weather Service issued an updated flood warning at 2:21 a.m. on Thursday in effect until 10:36 p.m. for Delaware County.

The weather service states, “Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast for West Branch Delaware at Walton.”

“At 10.0 feet, Fairgrounds begin to flood at 10 feet,” describes the weather service. “Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. The next statement will be issued this afternoon at 2:30 p.m.”

Breaking down weather alerts: advisories, watches, and warnings

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  Flash flood warning: Take action!
  

When a flash flood is approaching or already happening, a warning is sent. Get to high ground right away if you’re in a flood-prone location. A flash flood is a quick, intense flood that can form in a matter of minutes to hours. Even in places that don’t get rain right away, flash floods can happen.

• 
  Flood warning: Take action!
  

When flooding is about to occur or has already started, a flood warning is issued.

• 
  Flood advisory: Be aware:
  

When flooding is not predicted to become severe enough to warrant a warning, a flood advisory is issued. However, it still has the potential to be extremely inconvenient and, if careless, to result in circumstances that endanger life and/or property.

• 
  Flood watch: Be prepared:
  

When the weather is conducive to flooding, a flood watch is issued. Although it doesn’t ensure flooding will happen, it does indicate that it is a potential.

Staying safe during a flood: Recommendations from the weather service

Knowing and adhering to the weather service’s flood safety recommendations can be extremely helpful when camping in low-lying areas or in places that are prone to flooding:

Go to a higher location:

Moving to higher ground should be your first course of action if you’re camping in a low-lying location or in an area that is prone to flooding.

Respect evacuation directives:

Immediately comply with any evacuation orders issued by local authorities. Make sure your house is locked before you leave.

Cut off appliances and utilities:

Disconnect your appliances and utilities if you have the time. By taking this precaution, electrical dangers during flooding are reduced.

Avoid drowned places and flooding basements:

Stay away from rooms with electrical outlets or cords that are submerged in water or basements. Electrical accident prevention is essential.

Quick evacuation to keep you safe:

Evacuate right away if you see sparks or hear popping, crackling, buzzing, or snapping sounds. Steer clear of any water that might be electrically charged.

Avoid going on foot in floodwaters:

Never try to cross flooding on foot. Six inches of quickly flowing water can knock you off your feet with force.

If you’re stuck, look for high ground:

If you find yourself caught by flowing water, move to the highest spot you can and dial 911 to reach rescue personnel.

Flooding is more likely to occur during times of heavy rainfall, especially in low-lying and flood-prone locations. Driving through any water on the road, even if it appears to be shallow, must be avoided. The weather service claims that 12 inches of flowing water is enough to sweep away the majority of autos. Be knowledgeable and ready to stay safe.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

Safety comes first when there is a lot of rain. To avoid dangers and navigate wet roads, arm yourself with these weather service guidelines:

Watch out for swift water flow:

Avoid parking or strolling close to drainage ditches or culverts during periods of intense rain, since the swift-moving water can be quite dangerous.

Keep your distances from other vehicles safe:

In heavy rain, the two-second rule of following distance is your friend. To guarantee safe spacing under unfavorable circumstances, increase it to four seconds.

Slow down and drive carefully:

Reduce your speed if it’s raining and the roads are wet. Reduce your speed gently by taking your foot off the accelerator. Never apply the brakes abruptly since this could cause the vehicle to slide.

Pick your lane carefully:

To reduce the chance of hydroplaning, stay in the middle lanes. Water is more likely to accumulate in outside lanes.

Visibility is important.

As rain-spattered windows make it more difficult to see other vehicles, turn on your headlights and pay attention to those in blind spots and behind you.

Be cautious on slick roads:

Because of a combination of rain, oil, and grime, roadways are at their slickest during the first 30 minutes of precipitation. Be especially careful during this time.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

• 
  Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
  
• 
  If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
  

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

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