Report of coastal flooding affecting seven Massachusetts counties through midday Thursday

At 3:01 a.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service issued a coastal flooding advisory effective between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Thursday for Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties.

The weather service adds: “Flooding of up to half a foot above ground level is expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways (3.0 to 12.7 feet mean low tide).”

“Roads remain passable. Shallow floodplains less than a foot deep are impacting more vulnerable coastal roads along the North Shore from Salem and Gloucester to Newburyport. Rough surf is likely to cause flooding on coastal roads at high tide,” the weather service added. “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 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:

Go to a higher level:

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 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.

Evacuate immediately for safety reasons:

If you notice sparks or hear any humming, crackling, cracking or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Do not enter water that may be electrically charged.

Do not walk in flood waters:

Never attempt to walk through flood water, even if it appears shallow. Just 15 centimeters of water with high current speed can force you off your feet.

In the event of an accident, seek higher ground:

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

During periods of heavy rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. It is important to avoid driving through water on the road, even if it appears flat. According to the weather service, most cars can be swept away in just 30 cm of water. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.

Mastering wet roads: safety tips in heavy rain

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, you should avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches as fast-moving water can pose a major 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.

Slow down and drive carefully:

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

Choose your lane wisely:

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

Visibility is important:

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:

Be particularly careful in the first half hour after the rain begins. Dirt and oil on the road surface mix with water and make the road slippery.

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:

• 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.