On Monday at 8:53 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a flood warning that is in effect until midnight Tuesday for Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union counties.
The weather service adds: “Flooding is expected due to excessive rainfall.”
“Minor flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas. Water inundating roads. Water accumulation in urban or other areas is occurring or imminent,” the weather service explains. “Turn back, do not drown, if you encounter flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
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. If you are in a flood-prone area, get to higher ground immediately. A flash flood is a sudden, severe flood that can develop from minutes to hours. It is even possible to experience flash flooding in areas where there is no immediate 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.
Be prepared for flooding: Expert tips from the weather service for your safety
Flooding can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the Weather Service offers important flood safety guidelines:
Move to higher ground:
If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in low-lying areas, the first step to safety 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 precaution will minimize electrical hazards during flooding.
Avoid flooded basements and flooded areas:
Avoid basements or rooms where sockets or cables are under water. This way you can avoid electrical accidents.
For safety reasons, evacuate immediately:
If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, popping or banging noises, evacuate immediately. Do not enter 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.
Seek higher ground if you are trapped:
If you become trapped in running water, go to the highest possible point and call 911.
During heavy rain, the risk of flooding increases, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. It is important to avoid driving through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the weather service, most cars can be swept away by just 30 cm of water. Your safety comes first by staying informed and prepared.
Navigating in heavy rain: Important safety measures for wet roads
Heavy rain increases the risk of flooding and dangerous roads. Here’s your weather service guide to staying safe during downpours:
Be careful with fast water flow:
Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as fast-flowing water may sweep you away during heavy rain.
Keep the safety distance:
Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you, and add an additional two seconds in heavy rain.
Slow down and be careful:
On wet roads, it is extremely important to slow down. Ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane carefully:
Stay in the middle lanes to minimize the risk of aquaplaning. More water can collect in the outer lanes.
Visibility is important:
In heavy rain, turn on your headlights to improve your visibility. Watch for vehicles in your blind spot as rain-smeared windows can obscure their view.
Be careful of slippery roads:
Be especially careful in the first half hour after the rain starts. Dirt and oil on the road surface mix with water and make the road slippery.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid following them too closely and overtake them 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.
