On Saturday at 12:37 a.m. the National Weather Service issued a coastal flood advisory valid for Sunday between 3 a.m. and noon for Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Plymouth counties.
According to 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.”
Understanding the differences between advisories, watches, and warnings
- 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 immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
- Flood warning: Take action!
A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
- Flood advisory: Be aware:
A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property.
- Flood watch: Be prepared:
A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It doesn’t guarantee that flooding will occur, but it signifies that the possibility exists.
Navigating floods: weather service flood safety guidelines for weathering the storm
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’re in a flood-prone area, or if you’re camping in a low-lying spot, move to higher ground as a first step.
2. Adhere to evacuation orders:
- If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly. Prior to leaving, secure your home by locking it.
3. Disconnect utilities and appliances:
- If time permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding.
4. Steer clear 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 higher ground when 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.
During heavy rain, flooding is possible, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Never drive through water on the road, even if it does not appear to be deep. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars, according to the weather service. 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.
