At 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, the National Weather Service issued a flood warning that was in effect until 10:45 a.m. for Potter County.
The weather service comments: “Flooding of small streams is expected due to excessive rainfall.”
“Minor flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas. Water over roads,” the weather service adds. “Turn back, don’t 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. 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 already underway.
- Flood warning: Please note:
A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is not expected to be severe enough to warrant a warning, but may cause significant inconvenience and, if care is not taken, may result in situations which may threaten 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 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 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.
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, the risk of flooding is increased, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Always remember to never drive through water on the road, no matter how shallow it appears. 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
In heavy rain, safety is paramount. Follow these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid danger:
Be careful in case of flooding:
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:
Follow the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds to compensate for reduced traction and braking.
Reduce speed and drive carefully:
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.
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:
- Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that you can no longer see the edge of the road or other vehicles at a safe distance, it is time to stop and wait for the rain to subside. It is best to stop at rest areas or other sheltered areas.
- 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.
