New York Weather: Coastal flooding reported for Suffolk County for Thursday

The National Weather Service issued a coastal flooding advisory at 5:27 p.m. Wednesday, effective for Suffolk County between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. Thursday.

The weather service states: “Flooding of less than half a foot above ground level is expected, primarily in the most vulnerable areas near the water and shoreline.”

“Partial water on low-lying roads and properties,” says the weather service. “Do not drive through flooded streets.”

Understand the differences between notices, watches and warnings

• Flash flood warning: take action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or already occurring. In flood-prone areas, it is important to move to higher ground immediately. A flash flood is a sudden and intense flood that can develop within minutes to hours and can occur even in areas where there is currently no rain.

• Flood warning: take action!

A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or is already underway.

• Flood Warning: Be Aware:

A flood warning is issued when flooding is not expected to reach a level of severity requiring a warning. However, considerable inconvenience can occur and, if caution is not exercised, potentially life-threatening and/or property-related situations can arise.

• Flood watch: Be prepared:

A flood warning is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It is not a guarantee that flooding will occur, but it does mean that the possibility exists.

Weathering the Storm: Flood Safety Guidelines from the Weather Service

In flood-prone regions or when camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the Weather Service’s flood prevention guidelines can be life-saving:

Find higher ground:

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

Follow the evacuation instructions:

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

Disconnect utilities and devices:

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

Avoid basements and flooded areas:

Stay away from basements or rooms where electrical outlets or cords are submerged. This helps prevent electrical accidents.

Quick evacuation for your safety:

If you notice sparks or hear humming, crackling, snapping or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid water that may be electrically charged.

Stay away from flooding:

Never attempt to walk through flood water. Even 6 inches of fast-moving water can force you off your feet.

Find high ground if trapped:

If you become trapped by running water, get to the highest point available and call emergency services at 911.

Heavy rain can lead to flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Never drive through water on the road, even if it does not appear to be deep. According to the weather service, it only takes 30 centimeters of water to wash away most cars. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.

Navigating Rainy Roads: Wet Weather Safety Tips

When it rains heavily, safety comes first. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the Weather Service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Beware of swelling waterways:

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

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you, and allow two seconds longer in heavy rain.

Reduce speed and drive carefully:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. To prevent skidding, gradually ease off the accelerator pedal and avoid sudden braking.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the center lanes – water often collects in the outside lanes.

Prioritize visibility:

Turn on your headlights and pay attention to other vehicles in the background and blind spots, as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

Be careful of slippery roads:

During the first half hour of rain, the roads are most slippery due to a mix of rain, dirt and oil. Be particularly careful during this time.

Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can obscure your visibility from tire spray. Avoid traffic jams and pass through them quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

• Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. If visibility is so limited that the sides of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen from a safe distance, it’s time to stop and wait for the rain to let up. It’s best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
• If the side of the road is your only option, drive off as far as possible, preferably past 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.

During heavy rain, these precautions can go a long way toward ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to keep up to date with weather conditions and follow advice from 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.