The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the Staten Island coast at 4:23 a.m. Saturday, effective from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday.
“Flooding of up to half a foot above ground level is expected in vulnerable areas near the shore and coastline,” the weather service adds. “Minor coastal flooding is possible at high tide late Sunday morning through Sunday afternoon.”
The weather service adds: “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.”
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 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. This does not mean that flooding will occur, but it is possible.
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:
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 in contact with water where there are electrical outlets or cables. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.
Fast evacuation for your safety:
If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, popping or banging noises, leave the area immediately. Avoid water that may be live.
Avoid entering 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 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 to drive through water on the road, even if it is not deep. According to the weather service, as little as 30 cm of fast-moving water can sweep away most cars. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.
Driving on wet roads: Safety tips for wet weather
Rain can make roads dangerous. Stay informed and follow these weather service tips to stay safe during heavy rain:
Be careful with fast water flow:
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:
Follow the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds to compensate for reduced traction and braking.
Slow down and be careful:
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:
On multi-lane roads, stay in the middle lane to minimize the risk of aquaplaning, as water tends to collect in the outer lanes.
Visibility is important:
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:
- 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 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.
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.
