NY weather update: Flood warning issued for Broome County until early Friday evening

On Thursday at 2:28 a.m. an updated flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until Friday at 4 p.m. for Broome County.

The weather service states, “Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast for Susquehanna River at Conklin.”

“At 12.0 feet, Flood stage. Alta, River and Lawrence Roads closed in the Town of Conklin due to minor flooding. No homes are flooded at this river stage. Valley park in Kirkwood takes on water,” says the weather service. “When you come across flooded roads, turn around to avoid drowning. Vehicles are the primary cause of flood fatalities. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. At 2:30 pm today, the next statement will be released.

Your guide to weather alerts: advisories, watches, and warnings

• 
  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 expected or is happening, a flood warning is issued.

• 
  Flood advisory: Be aware:
  

When flooding is not predicted to be severe enough to warrant a warning, a flood advisory is issued. But if care is not taken, it could result in circumstances that endanger life and/or property and cause a great deal of discomfort.

• 
  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.

Weathering the storm: Flood safety guidelines 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.

Observe 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.

Steer clear of waterlogged regions and 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.

Stay away from floodwaters:

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

Seek higher ground when trapped:

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:

In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.

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.

Reduce your speed and drive carefully:

It’s crucial to slow down on wet roads. To avoid sliding, reduce the accelerator gradually and don’t brake suddenly.

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.

Turn on your headlights to improve visibility in severe rain. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

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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