At 6:14 a.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning in effect until 9:15 a.m. for Jefferson and Shelby counties.

“At 6:14 a.m., Doppler radar indicated that thunderstorms were producing heavy rainfall in the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain fell. An additional 2 to 4 inches of rain is possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is still occurring or expected to begin shortly,” the weather service said. “Flash flooding is occurring in small creeks and rivers, urban areas, highways, streets and tunnels, as well as other areas with poor drainage and low-lying areas.”

The warning applies to the following locations: Birmingham, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, Pelham, Mountain Brook, Gardendale, Irondale, Fultondale, Tarrant, Indian Springs Village, Cahaba Heights, Samford University, Five Points South, The Summit, UAB Campus, Kingston, Regions Field, Bjcc, and Birmingham Airport.

According to the weather service: “Turn around, don’t drown if you encounter flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and don’t drive on flooded roads.”

Understanding the Differences Between Advisories, Warnings, and Cautions

• Flash Flood Warning: Take Action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in an area prone to flooding, move to higher ground immediately. A flash flood is a sudden, severe flood that can take minutes to hours to develop. It is possible to experience a flash flood even in areas that do not immediately receive rainfall.

• Flood Warning: Take Action!

A flood warning is issued when there is an imminent threat of flooding or flooding is occurring.

• Flood Warning: Be on your guard:

A flood advisory is issued when no flooding is expected that would require a warning. Nevertheless, it can still cause considerable disruption and, without caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property.

• Flood Warning: Be Prepared:

A flood warning is issued when conditions are favourable for flooding. It does not mean that flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Navigating Floods: Weather Service Guidelines for Flood Safety When Weathering the Storm

In areas prone to flooding or when camping in low-lying areas, it can be vital to know and follow the weather service’s guidelines for flood safety:

Go to higher ground:

If you are in an area prone to flooding, or if you are camping in a low-lying area, move to higher ground first.

Follow evacuation orders:

When local authorities issue an evacuation order, obey it immediately. Secure your home by locking it before leaving.

Disconnect utilities and appliances:

If time permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.

Avoid basements and flooded areas:

Avoid basements or rooms that are flooded with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.

Quick evacuation for your safety:

If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, popping or popping sounds, evacuate immediately. Avoid water that may be charged with electricity.

Stay away from flood water:

Never try to walk through flood water, even if it seems shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can sweep you violently off your feet.

If you get stuck, seek higher ground:

If you become trapped by flowing water, go to the highest possible point and call 112 to alert emergency services.

During heavy rains, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. It is important to never drive through water on the road, no matter how deep it appears. According to the weather service, just 12 inches of flowing water can sweep away most vehicles. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.

Driving in Downpours: Safety Guidelines for Wet Roads

When it rains heavily, the risk of flooding and dangerous roads increases. Here’s your guide from the weather service to staying safe during downpours:

Beware of fast water flow:

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

Maintain a safe driving distance:

Follow the two-second rule to maintain a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an extra two seconds to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

Drive slowly and be careful:

On wet roads it is crucial to reduce your speed. Release the accelerator gradually and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

On multi-lane roads, drive in the center lanes to minimize the risk of aquaplaning, as water often accumulates in the outer lanes.

Visibility is important:

Improve your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Be extra vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Beware of slippery roads:

The first half hour of rain is when the roads are most slippery due to a mixture of rain, dirt and oil. Be extra careful during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Do not follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires will limit your view. Also, be careful when passing; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

• Overloaded wiper blades can impair visibility. If rain severely impairs your visibility, stop and wait until conditions improve. Seek refuge in rest areas or sheltered spots.
• If stopping at the side of the road is your only option, pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally past the guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate 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 when it rains heavily. Stay informed of the weather conditions and follow the advice of the local authorities to make your trip safe and healthy.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots that uses machine learning to collect the latest data from the National Weather Service.