At 1:15 p.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service issued a coastal flooding advisory effective from 11 p.m. through 2 a.m. Friday for the Bronx and Westchester County.

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

“Minor to locally moderate flooding in the more vulnerable locations near the water and the coast. Some streets and low-lying properties, including parking lots, parks, lawns, and homes and businesses with basements near the water, will be affected by minor flooding,” the weather service describes. “If travel is necessary, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take necessary measures to protect flood-prone property.”

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 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, 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. It is not a guarantee that flooding will occur, but it does mean that the possibility exists.

Weather Service Flood Prevention Guidelines: Weathering the Storm

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:

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 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.

Navigating Rainy Roads: Wet Weather Safety Tips

Rain can make roads dangerous. Stay informed and follow these tips from the Weather Service to stay safe during heavy rains:

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:

Follow the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of travel to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

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

Visibility is important:

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:

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.