The National Weather Service issued an updated coastal flood warning at 10:26 a.m. Friday, effective for Bucks County between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday.
“Flooding up to half a foot above ground level is expected in low-lying areas near the coast and tidal waterways,” the weather service adds. “Further tidal flooding is possible with high tide cycles on Saturday and Sunday.”
“Minor flooding will result in widespread street flooding in coastal and bay communities and along inland tidal waterways,” the weather service explains. “If you must travel, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through waters of unknown depth. Take necessary steps to protect property at risk of flooding.”
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 rainfall.
- 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 be severe enough to warrant a warning, but may cause significant inconvenience and, if care is not taken, may result in situations which may threaten 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.
Braving the storm: Advice on flood protection from the weather service
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:
Move to 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 basements and flooded areas:
Avoid basements or rooms where sockets or cables are under water. This way you can avoid electrical accidents.
For safety reasons, evacuate immediately:
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 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.
During heavy rain, the risk of flooding increases, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. It is important to avoid driving through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the weather service, most cars can be swept away by just 30 cm of water. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots that uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
