At 6:27 a.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service issued a Coastal Flood Warning, effective Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. for Queens and Nassau County.
The weather service comments: “If you must travel, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barriers or through waters of unknown depth. Take necessary steps to protect property at risk of flooding. When entering the surf zone, always carry a flotation device and swim near a lifeguard. If you get caught in a surf current, relax and float, and do not swim against the current. If possible, swim in a direction that follows the shoreline. If you cannot escape, turn toward shore and call or wave for help.”
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 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. This does not mean that flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Coping with Floods: Weather Service Safety Guidelines for Weathering Storms
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:
Move to 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 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.
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.
Avoid going into flood water:
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 are trapped in running water, go to the highest possible point and dial 911 to contact emergency services.
Heavy rain increases the risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Remember this important advice: never attempt to drive through water on the road, even if it doesn’t appear deep. According to the weather service, as little as 30 cm of fast-moving water can sweep away most vehicles. Your safety comes first by staying informed and prepared.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots that uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
