New York Weather: Report of coastal flooding affecting Suffolk County Thursday

The National Weather Service issued a coastal flooding advisory at 6:38 a.m. Wednesday, effective for Suffolk County between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. Thursday.

The weather service states: “Flooding of up to one foot above ground level is expected in vulnerable areas near the water and shoreline.”

“Partial water on low-lying roads and properties,” explains 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 occurring. If you find yourself in a flood-prone area, move to higher ground immediately. A flash flood is a sudden, intense flood that can take minutes to hours to develop. Flash flooding may even occur in areas where it does not rain immediately.

• 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 be severe enough to trigger a warning. However, this can cause significant inconvenience and, if not careful, can result in situations that can endanger life and/or property.

• 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.

Stay safe during floods: weather service recommendations

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 are in a flood-prone area or camping in a low-lying location, your first step should be 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 flooded basements and flooded areas:

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

Evacuate immediately for safety reasons:

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 flowing water, reach the highest point possible and call 911 to contact emergency services.

During heavy rainfall, there is a risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Remember to never drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the weather service, just 30 cm of fast-moving water can sweep away most cars. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.

Driving in the Rain: Safety Tips for Wet Roads

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:

Avoid parking or walking close to culverts or drainage ditches as the fast-flowing water during heavy rain may potentially sweep you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

The two-second rule of maintaining distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend the time to four seconds to ensure a safe distance in adverse conditions.

Slow down and stay careful:

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 in the middle lanes to minimize the risk of aquaplaning. The outer lanes are more prone to water accumulation.

Prioritize visibility:

Improve your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Be aware of vehicles in blind spots as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

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:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by the large tires impairs your visibility. 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 limits your visibility, stop and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or sheltered areas.
• If you can only stop on the side of the road, position your vehicle as far away from the road as possible, ideally outside 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 risks and ensure your well-being during heavy rain. Stay informed about weather conditions and follow advice from local authorities to make your trip safe and enjoyable.

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