The National Weather Service issued a flood warning at 3:26 p.m. Sunday that is in effect until midnight Monday for Steuben, Chemung, Tioga, Broome and Sullivan counties.
The weather service comments: “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 says. “You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action if flash flood warnings are issued.”
Your guide to weather alerts: advisories, observations and 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 rain.
- 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. 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 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.
Fast evacuation for your safety:
If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, popping or banging noises, leave the area immediately. Avoid water that may be live.
Avoid going into flood water:
Never attempt to walk through flood water. Even 15 cm 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 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. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.
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 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:
In heavy rain, the two-second following rule is helpful. Increase it to four seconds to ensure a safe following distance in adverse conditions.
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 as water often collects in the outside 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:
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 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.
In heavy rain, these precautions can go a long way to keeping you safe on the road. Remember to check weather conditions and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure a safe journey.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots that uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
