The National Weather Service issued a flood warning at 3:19 a.m. Saturday that is in effect until 6:30 a.m. for Autauga and Chilton counties.
The weather service describes: “Flooding of small rivers is expected due to excessive rainfall.”
“Minor flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas,” the weather service says. “Turn back, don’t drown, if you encounter flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be especially careful at night when flood hazards are harder to spot.”
Understanding the differences between 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. 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 occurring.
- 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.
Be prepared for flooding: Expert tips from the weather service for your safety
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 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 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, evacuate immediately. Do not enter water that may be live.
Avoid entering flood water:
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 are trapped in running water, go to the highest possible point and dial 911 to contact emergency services.
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.
Mastering wet roads: safety tips for heavy rain
When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and dangerous driving conditions increases. Whether it’s persistent rain or rapid runoff, it’s important to be prepared. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to help you stay safe during heavy rain:
Be careful in case of flooding:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, as 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.
Slow down and be careful:
When it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and reduce speed gradually. Never brake suddenly, otherwise the car may skid.
Choose your lane carefully:
Stay in the middle lanes as water often collects in the outside lanes.
Prioritize visibility:
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 on 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 severely reduces your visibility, pull over to the side of the road and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or sheltered areas.
- 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.
