At 2:31 a.m. Sunday, the National Weather Service issued an updated flood warning that is in effect until midnight Monday for Steuben, Chemung and Tioga counties.
The weather service reports: “Flash flooding due to excessive rainfall remains possible.”
“Excessive runoff may 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 prepared to take action if flash flood warnings are issued.”
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 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. This does not mean that flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Coping with Floods: Weather Service Safety Guidelines for Weathering Storms
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:
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 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, leave the area immediately. Avoid water that may be live.
Stay away from floods:
Never attempt to walk through flood water. Even 15 cm 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.
Flooding can occur during heavy rain, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Never drive through water on the road, even if it does not appear deep. According to the weather service, as little as 30 cm of water is enough to sweep away most cars. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.
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:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches where fast-flowing water can pose a serious hazard.
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.
Reduce speed and drive carefully:
When it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and reduce the speed gradually. Never brake suddenly, otherwise the car may skid.
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:
Turn on your headlights and watch for other vehicles behind you and in your blind spot, as they are particularly difficult to see through rain-soaked windows.
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 you can only stop at the side of the road, position your vehicle as far from the road as possible, ideally behind guard rails. Leave your headlights on and activate 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.
