New York Weather: Coastal Flooding Statement issued for Suffolk County for Friday

At 1:15 p.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service issued a coastal flooding advisory for Suffolk County, effective between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. Friday.

“Flooding of up to half a foot above ground level is expected in vulnerable areas near shore and shore,” the weather service added. “With flood cycles continuing through Saturday, further coastal flooding is possible.”

“Short minor flooding in the more vulnerable areas near the banks and coast,” explains the weather service. “Do not drive through flooded streets.”

Weather Alerts Breakdown: Advisories, 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 threatened or occurs.

• Flood Warning: Be Aware:

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

• Flood watch: Be prepared:

A flood warning is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. That doesn't mean there will be flooding, but it is possible.

In the event of flooding: Information from the weather service for your protection

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:

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

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.

Stay away from flooding:

Never attempt to walk through flood water, even if it appears shallow. Just 15 cm of water with high current speed can violently knock 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. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

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 danger:

Beware of rapid water flow:

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

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 abruptly as this may cause the vehicle to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

On multi-lane roads, stay in the middle 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 activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant 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:

• 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.