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NY Weather Update: Coastal flooding reported for Queens and Nassau County through Monday morning

At 4:25 a.m. Monday, the National Weather Service issued an updated coastal flooding advisory effective for Queens and Nassau County between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Monday.

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 locations near the shore and coast,” the weather service added. “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 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.

Stay safe during floods: competent advice from the weather service

Flooding can pose a significant hazard, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the Weather Service offers important flood protection guidelines:

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. Secure your home by locking it before you leave.

Disconnect utilities and devices:

If time permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes 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 humming, crackling, snapping or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid 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 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. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

Navigating Rainy Roads: Wet Weather Safety Tips

Heavy rainfall, 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 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:

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:

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:

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:

  • 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.

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.

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