The National Weather Service issued an updated flash flood warning at 4:08 p.m. Friday that is in effect until 5:30 p.m. for Susquehanna and Wayne counties.
“As of 4:08 p.m., heavy rain has moved out of the area, but creek and river water levels will continue to rise over the next hour. Between 3 and 4 inches of rain have fallen. Flash flooding is underway or expected shortly,” the weather service said. “Life-threatening flash flooding in creeks and rivers, urban areas, highways, roads and underpasses.”
Places affected by the warning include Honesdale, Walton, Deposit, Sidney, Sanford, Susquehanna, Forest City, Susquehanna Depot, Sterling, Harford, Waymart, Hawley, Unadilla, Hancock, Windsor, New Milford, Lanesboro, Franklin, Thompson and Union Dale.
According to the weather service: “Turn back, do not drown, if you encounter flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. There are hundreds of fords in hilly terrain, which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route. Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or police and ask them to forward this information to the National Weather Service as soon as you can do so safely.”
Weather alert breakdown: advisories, observations and warnings
- Flash flood warning: take action!
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or is already occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, get to higher ground immediately. A flash flood is a sudden, severe flood that can develop from minutes to hours. It is even possible to experience flash flooding in areas where there is no immediate rain.
- Flood warning: take action!
A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
- Flood warning: Please note:
A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is not expected to be severe enough to warrant a warning, but may cause significant inconvenience and, if care is not taken, may result in situations which may threaten life and/or property.
- Flood warning: Be prepared:
A flood warning is issued when conditions are favourable for flooding. It does not guarantee that flooding will occur, but indicates that the possibility exists.
Be prepared for flooding: Expert tips from the weather service for your safety
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 important flood safety guidelines:
Find higher ground:
If you are in a flood-prone area or camping in a low-lying area, the first step is to move to higher ground.
Follow evacuation instructions:
If local authorities issue an evacuation order, obey it immediately. Secure your home by locking it before leaving.
Disconnect utilities and equipment:
If time permits, unplug your utilities and appliances. This precaution will minimize electrical hazards during flooding.
Avoid basements and flooded areas:
Avoid basements or rooms in contact with water where there are electrical outlets or cables. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.
Fast evacuation for your safety:
If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, popping or banging noises, evacuate immediately. Do not enter water that may be live.
Stay away from floods:
Never attempt to walk through flood water. Even 15 cm of fast-flowing water can sweep you off your feet with full force.
If you are trapped, seek higher ground:
If you become trapped in running water, go to the highest possible point and call 911.
Heavy rain can create a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Never attempt to drive through water on the road, no matter how deep it appears. According to the weather service, as little as 30 cm of water can sweep away most vehicles. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.
Rain showers on the roads: Important safety tips for heavy rain
Heavy rain increases the risk of flooding and dangerous roads. Here’s your weather service guide to staying safe during downpours:
Be careful with fast water flow:
Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as fast-flowing water may sweep you away during heavy rain.
Keep the safety distance:
Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you, and add an additional two seconds in heavy rain.
Slow down and be careful:
When it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and reduce the speed gradually. Never brake suddenly, otherwise the car may skid.
Choose your lane carefully:
On multi-lane roads, stay in the middle lane to minimize the risk of aquaplaning, as water tends to collect in the outer lanes.
Visibility is important:
Improve your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Pay particular attention to vehicles in your blind spot, 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 mixture of rain, dirt and oil. Be especially careful during this time.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid following them too closely and overtake them quickly and safely.
Pay attention to your windshield wipers:
- Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that you can no longer see the edge of the road or other vehicles at a safe distance, it is time to stop and wait for the rain to subside. It is best to stop at rest areas or other sheltered areas.
- If you can only stop at the side of the road, position your vehicle as far from the road as possible, ideally behind guard rails. Leave your headlights on and activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers to your position.
In heavy rain, these precautions can go a long way to keeping you safe on the road. Remember to check weather conditions and follow the instructions of 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.
