Flood warning issued for Indiana and Jefferson counties through Friday afternoon

The National Weather Service issued a flood warning at 9:59 a.m. Friday, effective until 1 p.m. for Indiana and Jefferson counties.

The weather service notes: “Flooding from excessive rainfall is expected in Indiana and southeastern Jefferson counties PA.”

“Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying areas prone to flooding is imminent or occurring. Numerous roads remain closed due to flooding,” the weather service said. “Turn around and don’t drown when you encounter flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

Breakdown of weather alerts: watches, warnings and advisories

• Flash Flood Warning: Take Action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, move to high ground immediately. A flash flood is a sudden, violent flood that can take anywhere from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas that do not receive rain right away.

• Flood Alert: Take Action!

A flood watch is issued when a flood is imminent or occurring.

• Flood Warning: Please Note:

A flood watch is issued when flooding is not expected to reach a level of severity that requires a warning. However, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, if precautions are not taken, may result in situations that threaten life or property.

• Flood Alert: Be Prepared:

A flood watch is issued when conditions are favourable for flooding to occur. It does not guarantee that flooding will occur, but it means there is a possibility of flooding.

Weather Service Flood Safety Guidelines: How to Weather the Storm

Flooding can pose a significant threat, 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 essential flood safety guidelines:

Move to higher ground:

If you live in a flood-prone region or are camping on low ground, the first step toward safety is to move to higher ground.

Follow evacuation orders:

When local authorities issue an evacuation order, obey immediately. Before you leave, secure your home by locking it.

Disconnect utilities and appliances:

If time permits, turn off utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding.

Stay away from flooded basements and submerged areas:

Stay away from basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents.

Evacuate quickly for safety:

If you notice sparks or hear humming, crackling, clicking or popping noises, evacuate the area immediately. Avoid any water sources that may be charged with electricity.

Stay away from flood waters:

Never attempt to walk through flood water. Even just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock you down hard.

Seek higher ground if you become trapped:

If you are trapped by moving water, go to the highest available point and contact emergency services by calling 911.

When it rains heavily, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. It is important to never attempt to drive through water on the road, no matter how deep it appears. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches (30 cm) of water can carry away most vehicles. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

How to navigate in heavy rain: essential safety measures for wet roads

When it rains heavily, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these weather service guidelines for driving on wet roads and avoiding hazards:

Be careful of rapid water flow:

Avoid parking or walking near storm drains or drainage ditches, as fast-moving water during heavy rains could 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 an extra two seconds if it is raining heavily.

Slow down and be cautious:

On wet roads, it is essential to reduce speed. Release the accelerator gradually and avoid sudden braking to avoid skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay in the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of aquaplaning, as water tends to collect in the outer lanes.

Visibility matters:

Turn on your headlights and be aware of other vehicles behind you and in your blind spots, as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

Be careful on slippery roads:

Be very careful during the first half hour after it starts to rain. Dirt and oil from the road surface mix with the water and make the road slippery.

Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray generated by their large tires reduces your visibility. Be careful when passing them as well; if you must, do so quickly and safely.

Be careful with windshield wipers:

• Overloaded wiper blades can impair visibility. If rain severely affects your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or protected areas.
• If the road is your only option, pull over as far away as possible, preferably beyond the end of a guardrail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on your emergency flashers to alert other drivers to your position.

In the event of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and follow the recommendations of local authorities to ensure a safe trip.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.