At 7:51 p.m. on Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a revised flood advisory for Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester counties that would be in force until 9 p.m.
According to the weather service, “Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues.”
“Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas,” the weather service reports. “When you come across flooded roads, turn around to avoid drowning. The majority of flood fatalities involve automobiles.
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.
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Flood warning: Take action!
When flooding is about to occur or has already started, a flood warning is issued.
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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.
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Flood watch: Be prepared:
When the weather is conducive to flooding, a flood watch is issued. Flooding is not guaranteed, but it is a possibility.
When floods strike: Guidelines from the weather service for your protection
Floods can be a serious hazard, particularly if you live in a flood-prone location or camp in a low-lying area. The weather service provides crucial flood protection instructions to protect you:
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 doing this, the possibility of electrical risks during floods is decreased.
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.
Avoid going on foot in floodwaters:
Even if floodwaters seem shallow, you should never try to go over them. You can be swept off your feet with power by just 6 inches of swift-moving water.
When stuck, look for higher ground:
If you find yourself caught by flowing water, get to the highest position you can and call 911 to get help.
Flooding is a possibility during periods of high rainfall, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone locations. Never drive on water on the road, even if it appears to be shallow. The weather service claims that most cars can be washed away by as little as 12 inches of swiftly moving water. Be knowledgeable and ready to stay safe.
Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather
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.
Reduce your speed and drive carefully:
Lowering your speed is essential on wet roads. To prevent skidding, gently release the gas pedal and refrain from applying sudden braking.
Pick your lane carefully:
On multilane highways, stay in the middle lanes to reduce the chance of hydroplaning because water tends to pool in the outer lanes.
Put visibility first:
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:
During the first half hour after the rain starts, exercise additional caution. The road becomes slick when water combines with dirt and oil on the surface.
Stay a safe distance away from big cars:
Avoid following buses or big vehicles too closely. Their big tires produce a mist that blurs your eyesight. Additionally, be cautious when passing them; if you have to, pass swiftly and securely.
Be mindful of your wipers:
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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.
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When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
Taking these safety measures will significantly improve your road safety while it’s raining a lot. For a safe trip, keep yourself updated on weather conditions and follow local authorities’ instructions.
United Robots offers a service called Advance Local Weather Alerts that gathers the most recent information from the National Weather Service using machine learning.
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