Flood Warning Issued Sunday Evening for Geneva and Houston Counties

Sunday at 6:39 p.m., a flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service, in effect until 8:45 p.m. for Geneva and Houston counties.

The weather service describes: “Flooding from excessive precipitation is expected.”

“Minor flooding in low-lying, poorly drained areas,” says the weather service. “Turn around, don’t drown when you encounter flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

Understanding the differences between advisories, watches and warnings

• Flash flood alert: act!

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

• Flood alert: act!

A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or in progress.

• Flood Warning: Caution:

A flood warning is issued when flooding is not expected to be severe enough to issue a warning. However, this may cause significant inconvenience and, if care is not exercised, could lead to situations which may threaten life and/or property.

• Flood Watch: Be Prepared:

A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. This does not mean there will be flooding, but it is possible.

Prepare for floods: expert advice from the weather service for your safety

In flood-prone areas or when camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service’s flood safety guidelines can save your life:

1. Move to higher ground:

• If you live in a flood-prone area or camp on low-lying ground, the first step toward safety is to move to higher ground.

2. Follow evacuation orders:

• When local authorities issue an evacuation order, obey promptly. Before leaving, secure your accommodation by locking it.

3. Disconnect utilities and appliances:

• If weather permits, unplug your utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical risks in the event of flooding.

4. Avoid basements and submerged areas:

• Avoid basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents.

5. Evacuate quickly for safety reasons:

• If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, popping or popping sounds, evacuate immediately. Avoid any water that could be charged with electricity.

6. Avoid walking in flood waters:

• Never attempt to cross floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can sweep you away with force.

7. Seek higher ground if you get stuck:

• If you are trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and call 911 to contact emergency services.

During heavy rains, the risk of flooding is increased, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions. Always remember to never drive through water on the road, no matter how shallow it may be. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of fast-flowing water can wash away most vehicles. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

Driving on rainy roads: rainy weather safety tips

Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of rapid water flow:

• Avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, as fast-moving water during heavy rains can potentially wash 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 two extra seconds in heavy rain.

Slow down and stay safe:

• On wet roads, it is essential to slow down. Release the accelerator gradually and avoid sudden braking to avoid skidding.

Choose your path wisely:

• Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Exterior pathways are more prone to water accumulation.

Prioritize visibility:

• Improve your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Be wary of vehicles in blind spots, as rain-stained windows can obscure them.

Be careful of slippery roads:

• The first half hour of rain is when roads are most slippery due to a mixture of rain, grime and oil. Exercise extreme caution during this time.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

• Do not follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Also be careful when passing them; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

• Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen from a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to subside. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
• If the side of the road is your only option, move as far away as possible, preferably beyond the end of a guardrail, and wait for the storm to pass. Keep your headlights on and turn on the hazard lights to alert other drivers of your location.

When facing heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in keeping you safe on the road. Remember to stay informed of weather conditions and follow advice from local authorities for safe travel.

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.