The National Weather Service issued an updated coastal flooding advisory at 4:09 a.m. Friday, effective for Suffolk County between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday.

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,” 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 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 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. That doesn't mean there will be flooding, but it is possible.

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:

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 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:

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 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.

In the event of an accident, seek higher ground:

If you become trapped by flowing water, reach the highest point possible and call 911 to contact emergency services.

There is a risk of flooding during heavy rain, particularly in low-lying or flood-prone areas. It is important that you 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 vehicles. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.

Roads likely to be rainy: Important safety tips in heavy rain

When heavy rain begins, the risk of flooding and dangerous driving conditions increases. Whether it's persistent rainfall or rapid runoff, it's important to be prepared. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to help you stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of rapid water flow:

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 stay careful:

It is important to reduce speed on wet roads. To prevent skidding, ease off the accelerator pedal slowly and avoid sudden braking.

Choose your lane wisely:

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

Prioritize visibility:

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.