New York Weather: Coastal Flooding Statement issued for Saturday for Westchester County

At 3:43 p.m. Friday, the National Weather Service issued a coastal flooding advisory effective for Westchester County between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday.

The weather service adds: “Flooding of up to half a foot above ground level is expected in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline.”

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

Your guide to weather alerts: 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 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.

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

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 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 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 precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding.

Avoid 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 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 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.

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 water depths of just 30 cm. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

Coping with Heavy Rain: Important Safety Measures for Wet Roads

Heavy rains, if prolonged or excessive runoff, can cause flooding. Excessive runoff may be due to saturated soil and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these weather service recommendations to stay safe during heavy rain:

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:

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:

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:

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

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:

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:

• 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.