At 4:58 p.m. on Friday, the National Weather Service issued a flood alert for Jefferson and Shelby counties that would last until 8 p.m.
According to the weather service, “Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.”
“poor drainage zones that overflow. “There is or will soon be ponding of water in urban or other areas,” the weather agency says. “When you come across flooded roads, turn around to avoid drowning. Vehicles are the primary cause of flood fatalities. When it is safe to do so, please report any flooding you see to the local emergency services or law enforcement, and ask them to forward this information to the National Weather Service.
Understanding the differences between advisories, watches, and warnings
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Flash flood warning: Take action!
When a flash flood is either approaching or has already occurred, a warning is given. Moving to higher ground right away is essential in places that are prone to flooding. A flash flood is a quick, intense flood that can form in a matter of minutes to hours and even occur in places that aren’t currently receiving any rain.
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Flood warning: Take action!
When flooding is expected or is happening, a flood warning is issued.
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Flood advisory: Be aware:
When flooding is not predicted to be severe enough to warrant a warning, a flood advisory is issued. But if care is not taken, it could result in circumstances that endanger life and/or property and cause a great deal of discomfort.
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Flood watch: Be prepared:
When the weather is conducive to flooding, a flood watch is issued. Although it doesn’t ensure flooding will happen, it does indicate that it is a potential.
Staying safe during a flood: Recommendations from the weather service
Knowing and adhering to the weather service’s flood safety recommendations can be extremely helpful when camping in low-lying areas or in locations that are prone to flooding:
Go to a higher location:
Moving to higher ground should be your first course of action if you’re camping in a low-lying location or in an area that is prone to flooding.
Observe evacuation directives:
Immediately comply with any evacuation orders issued by local authorities. Make sure your house is locked before you leave.
Cut off appliances and utilities:
Disconnect your appliances and utilities if you have the time. By doing this, the possibility of electrical risks during floods is decreased.
Avoid drowned places and flooding basements:
Stay away from rooms with electrical outlets or cords that are submerged in water or basements. Electrical accident prevention is essential.
Quick evacuation to keep you safe:
Evacuate right away if you see sparks or hear popping, crackling, snapping, or buzzing noises. Avoid going into water that might be electrically charged.
Avoid the floodwaters:
Never try to cross flooding on foot. Six inches of quickly flowing water can knock you off your feet with force.
If you’re stuck, look for high ground:
If you find yourself caught by flowing water, get to the highest position you can and call 911 to get help.
Flooding is a possibility during periods of high rainfall, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone locations. Never drive on water on the road, even if it appears to be shallow. The weather service claims that most cars can be washed away by as little as 12 inches of swiftly moving water. Be knowledgeable and ready to be safe.
Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall
Flooding and dangerous driving conditions increase when heavy rain starts. Being ready is crucial, regardless of the duration of the rainfall or the rate of runoff. The weather service has provided the following important safety advice to help you stay safe during periods of severe rain:
Watch out for swift water flow:
Avoid parking or strolling close to drainage ditches or culverts during periods of intense rain, since the swift-moving water can be quite dangerous.
Keep your distances from other vehicles safe:
Keep a safe distance from the automobile ahead of you by following the two-second rule, and give yourself an extra two seconds if it’s raining a lot.
Slow down and drive carefully:
Reduce your speed if it’s raining and the roads are wet. Reduce your speed gently by taking your foot off the accelerator. Never apply the brakes abruptly since this could cause the vehicle to slide.
Pick your lane carefully:
Water tends to pool in the outside lanes, so stick to the central ones.
Put visibility first:
As rain-spattered windows make it more difficult to see other vehicles, turn on your headlights and pay attention to those in blind spots and behind you.
Be cautious on slick roads:
Because of a combination of rain, oil, and grime, roadways are at their slickest during the first 30 minutes of precipitation. Be especially careful during this time.
Stay a safe distance away from big cars:
Avoid following buses or big vehicles too closely. Their big tires produce a mist that blurs your eyesight. Additionally, be cautious when passing them; if you have to, pass swiftly and securely.
Be mindful of your wipers:
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Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
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When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
Taking these safety measures will significantly improve your road safety while it’s raining a lot. For a safe trip, keep yourself updated on weather conditions and follow local authorities’ instructions.
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