At 3:12 a.m. Saturday, an updated coastal flooding statement was issued by the National Weather Service, effective for Saturday between noon and 2 p.m. for Westchester County.

The weather service adds, “Up to a foot of flooding above ground level is expected in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline.”

“Short minor flooding of more vulnerable locations near the waterfront and shoreline,” the weather service describes. “Do not drive on flooded roads.”

Your guide to weather warnings: advisories, watches and warnings

• Flash Flood Warning: Take Action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood threatens or occurs. If you are in a flood-prone area, move to higher ground immediately. A flash flood is a sudden, violent flood that can take several minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas that do not receive direct rainfall.

• Flood Warning: Take Action!

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

• Flood Advisory: Please note:

A flood advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be severe enough to issue a warning. However, it can cause significant inconvenience and if care is not taken, it can lead to situations that could endanger lives and/or property.

• Flood Watch: Be Prepared:

When conditions are favorable for flooding, a flood watch is issued. It does not guarantee that flooding will occur, but it does indicate that the possibility exists.

Be prepared for flooding: expert guidance from the weather service for your safety

In flood-prone areas or when camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service’s flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver:

Move to higher ground:

If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in low-lying terrain, moving to higher ground is the first step to safety.

Follow evacuation orders:

If local authorities issue an evacuation order, follow it immediately. Before you leave, secure your home by locking it.

Disconnect utilities and appliances:

If time permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding.

Stay away from flooded basements and flooded areas:

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

Quick evacuation for your safety:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, popping or popping sounds, evacuate immediately. Do not enter water that may contain an electrical charge.

Do not walk in flood water:

Never attempt to walk through flood water. Even just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you over with force.

Find high ground when you’re stuck:

If you are trapped by moving water, get to the highest available point and contact emergency services by calling 911.

During periods of heavy rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. It is imperative 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 a foot of rushing water. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

Navigating Heavy Rain: Essential Safety Measures on Wet Roads

Heavy rainfall can lead to flooding if it continues for a long time or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can result from saturated soil and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these weather service recommendations to stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of swollen waterways:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where fast-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

The two-second distance tracking rule is your ally in heavy rain. Extend this to four seconds to ensure a safe distance under adverse conditions.

Slow down and stay careful:

If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and gradually decrease your speed. Never suddenly apply the brakes as this may cause the car to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay in the center lanes to minimize the risk of aquaplaning. Outer lanes are more susceptible to water accumulation.

Visibility is important:

Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles behind you and in the blind spot, as they can be extremely difficult to see through rain-splattered windows.

Beware of slippery roads:

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

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

• Overloaded wiper blades can obscure vision. If rain severely limits your visibility, stop and wait for conditions to improve. Take refuge in rest areas or protected areas.
• When stopping on the side of the road is your only option, position your vehicle as far away from the road as possible, ideally beyond the guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate the emergency flashers to inform other drivers of your position.

By following these safety measures you can significantly reduce the risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain falls. Stay informed of weather conditions and listen to the advice of local authorities to ensure your trip is safe.

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