The National Weather Service issued a flood warning at 3:26 p.m. Saturday, effective from 2 a.m. Sunday to 2 a.m. Monday for Sussex, Warren, Morris, Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer, Salem, Gloucester, Camden and Burlington counties.
The weather service adds: “Flooding due to excessive rainfall is possible.”
“Excessive runoff can cause flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone areas. Flooding may occur in areas with poor drainage and in urban areas,” the weather service explains. “You should monitor later forecasts and be alert to possible flood warnings. Those living in flood-prone areas should be prepared to take action if flooding does occur.”
Deciphering advisories, observations and warnings: Understanding weather warnings
- Flash flood warning: take action!
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or is already occurring. In areas at risk of flooding, it is important to get to higher ground immediately. A flash flood is a sudden and severe flood that can develop within minutes to hours and can occur even in areas where there is currently no rainfall.
- Flood warning: take action!
A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
- Flood warning: Please note:
A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is not expected to reach a level of severity that would warrant a warning. However, such a warning may cause significant inconvenience and, if ignored, may result in situations threatening life and/or property.
- Flood warning: Be prepared:
A flood warning is issued when conditions are favourable for flooding. It does not guarantee that flooding will occur, but indicates that the possibility exists.
In case of flooding: Advice from the weather service for your protection
In flood-prone regions or when camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service’s flood safety guidelines can be life-saving:
Find higher ground:
If you are in a flood-prone area or camping in a low-lying area, the first step is to move to higher ground.
Follow the evacuation instructions:
If local authorities issue an evacuation order, obey it immediately. Secure your home by locking it before leaving.
Disconnect utilities and equipment:
If time permits, unplug your utilities and appliances. This will reduce the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.
Avoid basements and flooded areas:
Avoid basements or rooms in contact with water where there are electrical outlets or cables. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.
For safety reasons, evacuate immediately:
If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, popping or banging noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid water that may be live.
Stay away from floods:
Never attempt to walk through flood water, even if it appears shallow. Even 6 inches of fast-flowing water can sweep you off your feet with full force.
If you are trapped, seek higher ground:
If you become trapped in running water, go to the highest possible point and call 911.
During heavy rain there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying or flood-prone areas. It is extremely important to never drive through water on the road, even if it does not appear to be deep. According to the weather service, as little as 30 cm of fast-moving water can sweep away most vehicles. Your safety is paramount by staying informed and prepared.
Navigating in heavy rain: Important safety measures for wet roads
Heavy rains can cause flooding if they last for a long time or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be due to saturated soil and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these weather service recommendations to stay safe during heavy rain:
Be careful with fast water flow:
During heavy rain, do not park or walk near culverts or drainage ditches as fast-flowing water can pose a great danger.
Keep the safety distance:
In heavy rain, the two-second following rule is helpful. Increase it to four seconds to ensure a safe following distance in adverse conditions.
Slow down and be careful:
On wet roads, it is important to reduce speed. Slowly ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane carefully:
On multi-lane roads, stay in the middle lane to minimize the risk of aquaplaning, as water tends to collect in the outer lanes.
Prioritize visibility:
Improve your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Pay particular attention to vehicles in your blind spot, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Be careful of slippery roads:
During the first half hour of rain, the roads are most slippery due to a mixture of rain, dirt and oil. Be especially careful during this time.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Do not drive too close behind large trucks or buses. The spray created by their large tires will limit your visibility. Also be careful when overtaking; if you must overtake, do so quickly and safely.
Pay attention to your windshield wipers:
- Overloaded wiper blades can reduce visibility. If rain is severely affecting your visibility, pull over to the side of the road and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or places sheltered from the wind.
- If the side of the road is your only option, pull over as far as possible, preferably to the end of a guardrail, and wait for the storm to pass. Keep your headlights on and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to your position.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risks and ensure your well-being during heavy rain. Stay informed about weather conditions and follow the advice of local authorities to ensure your trip is safe and unharmed.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots that uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
