At 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, the National Weather Service issued a flood warning that was in effect from 3:00 p.m. to 12:10 a.m. Tuesday for Dutchess and Ulster counties.

The weather service adds: “Minor flooding is forecast for the Hudson River near Poughkeepsie.”

“At 4.2 feet, minor flood stage. Minor flooding of lowlands, boat launches and boat ramps. Water covers State Route 213 in Eddyville,” the weather service describes.

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. 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 rain.

• 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 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.

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 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, leave the area immediately. Avoid 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.

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

Rain can make roads dangerous. Stay informed and follow these weather service tips to stay safe during heavy rain:

Be careful in case of flooding:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches where 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.

Reduce speed and drive carefully:

On wet roads, it is extremely important to slow down. Ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane carefully:

On multi-lane roads, stay in the middle lane to minimize the risk of aquaplaning, as water tends to collect in the outer 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 at their 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:

• Overloaded wiper blades can reduce visibility. If rain is severely affecting your visibility, pull over to the side of the road and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or places sheltered from the wind.
• If the side of the road is your only option, pull over as far as possible, preferably to the end of a guardrail, and wait for the storm to pass. Keep your headlights on and turn on 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.