The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood warning at 4:42 p.m. Wednesday, effective from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday for Manhattan.

“Flooding of half a foot above ground level is expected in vulnerable areas near the shore and coastline,” the weather service said. “There is a possibility of further coastal flooding, at least through the weekend.”

The weather service explains: “If you must travel, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around roadblocks or through waters of unknown depth. Take necessary steps to protect property at risk of flooding.”

Weather alert breakdown: 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. It does not guarantee that flooding will occur, but indicates that the possibility exists.

Coping with Floods: Weather Service Safety Guidelines for Weathering Storms

Flooding can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the Weather Service offers important flood safety guidelines:

Find 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.

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.

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.

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, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Remember, never drive through water on the road, even if it is not deep. According to the weather service, just 30 cm of fast-moving water can sweep away most cars. Your safety is paramount by staying informed and prepared.

Rain showers on the roads: Important safety tips for heavy rain

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, do not park or walk near culverts or drainage ditches as fast-flowing water can pose a great danger.

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 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 of slippery roads:

During the first half hour of rain, the roads are most slippery due to a mixture of rain, dirt and oil. Be especially careful during this time.

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:

• Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that you can no longer see the edge of the road or other vehicles at a safe distance, it is time to stop and wait for the rain to subside. It is best to stop at rest areas or other 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.

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.