The National Weather Service issued a flood alert for Shelby County at 7:33 p.m. on Wednesday, which was in force until 10:45 p.m.
According to the weather service, “Excessive rainfall is expected to cause small stream flooding.”
“Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas,” the weather agency says to clarify. “When you come across flooded roads, turn around to avoid drowning. The majority of flood fatalities involve automobiles.
Understanding the differences between advisories, watches, and warnings
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Flash flood warning: Take action!
When a flash flood is approaching or already happening, a warning is sent. Get to high ground right away if you’re in a flood-prone location. A flash flood is a quick, intense flood that can form in a matter of minutes to hours. Even in places that don’t get rain right away, flash floods can happen.
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Flood warning: Take action!
When flooding is about to occur or has already started, a flood warning is issued.
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Flood advisory: Be aware:
When flooding is not predicted to become severe enough to warrant a warning, a flood advisory is issued. However, it still has the potential to be extremely inconvenient and, if careless, to result in circumstances that endanger life and/or property.
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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
Floods can be a serious hazard, particularly if you live in a flood-prone location or camp in a low-lying area. The weather service provides crucial flood protection instructions to protect you:
Go to a higher location:
Moving to higher ground is the first line of defense if you live in an area that floods easily or are camping in a low-lying area.
Respect evacuation directives:
Respond quickly to any evacuation orders issued by local authorities. Secure your home by locking it 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.
Steer clear of waterlogged regions and 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 going on foot in floodwaters:
Even if floodwaters seem shallow, you should never try to go over them. You can be swept off your feet with power by just 6 inches of swift-moving water.
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.
floods is a possibility when there is a lot of rain, especially in areas that are low-lying and prone to floods. No matter how deep the water looks, it is crucial to never try to drive through it on the road. The weather service claims that most cars can be washed away by rushing water as little as 12 inches. Be knowledgeable and ready to stay safe.
Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain
Safety comes first when there is a lot of rain. To avoid dangers and navigate wet roads, arm yourself with these weather service guidelines:
Watch out for swift water flow:
When it rains a lot, stay clear from parking or strolling near culverts or drainage ditches since the swift-moving water could carry you away.
Keep your distances from other vehicles safe:
To keep a safe following distance behind the car in front of you, follow the two-second rule. To account for decreased traction and braking efficiency in heavy weather, give yourself an extra two seconds.
Slow down and drive carefully:
It’s crucial to slow down on wet roads. To avoid sliding, reduce the accelerator gradually and don’t brake suddenly.
Pick your lane carefully:
Water tends to pool in the outside lanes, so stick to the central ones.
Put visibility first:
Turn on your headlights to improve visibility in severe rain. Rain-stained windows can hide cars in blind zones, so be cautious.
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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If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on 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.
United Robots offers a service called Advance Local Weather Alerts that gathers the most recent information from the National Weather Service using machine learning.
