On Thursday at 5:27 am a coastal flood advisory was issued by the National Weather Service valid from 8 pm until Friday 2 am for Atlantic and Cape May counties.
The weather service comments, “Up to one foot of flooding above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways.”
“At this level, widespread roadway flooding occurs in coastal and bayside communities and along inland tidal waterways. Many roads become impassable. Some damage to vulnerable structures may begin to occur,” states the weather service. “If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.”
Breaking down weather alerts: advisories, watches, and warnings
- Flash flood warning: Take action!
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is either imminent or already occurring. In flood-prone areas, it’s crucial to move immediately to higher ground. A flash flood is a sudden and violent flooding that can develop within minutes to hours, and it can even happen in areas not currently experiencing rainfall.
- Flood warning: Take action!
A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
- Flood advisory: Be aware:
A flood advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
- Flood watch: Be prepared:
A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Staying safe during a flood: Recommendations from the weather service
Floods can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or find yourself camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the weather service offers essential flood safety guidelines:
1. Seek higher ground:
- If you reside in a flood-prone region or are camping in low-lying terrain, the first step to safety is relocating to higher ground.
2. Follow evacuation orders:
- When local authorities issue an evacuation order, promptly comply. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it.
3. Disconnect utilities and appliances:
- If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.
4. Steer clearing of flooded basements and submerged areas:
- Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.
5. Evacuate promptly for safety:
- If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.
6. Stay away from floodwaters:
- Never attempt to walk through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can forcefully sweep you off your feet.
7. Seek high ground if trapped:
- In the event you become trapped by moving water, make your way to the highest point available and contact emergency services by calling 911.
When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods. It appears to be crucial to never drive through water on the road, even if it is shallow. According to the NWS, as little as 12 inches of fast-flowing water can carry away most vehicles. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.
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.
