The National Weather Service issued a flood warning at 1:32 a.m. Wednesday, effective from 1 p.m. to 7 a.m. Friday for Etowah, Calhoun, St. Clair, Talladega, Coosa, Elmore and Montgomery counties.

The weather service adds: “Flash flooding due to excessive rainfall remains possible.”

“Excessive runoff may cause flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone areas,” the weather service comments. “You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action if flash flood warnings are issued.”

Understanding the differences between 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 reach a level of severity that would warrant a warning. However, such a warning may cause significant inconvenience and, if ignored, may result in situations threatening 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:

Move to 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 where sockets or cables are under water. This way you can avoid electrical accidents.

Fast evacuation for your safety:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, popping or banging noises, leave the area immediately. Avoid water that may be live.

Avoid going into flood water:

Never attempt to walk through flood water, even if it appears shallow. Even 6 inches of fast-flowing water can sweep you off your feet with full force.

If you are trapped, seek higher ground:

If you are trapped in running water, go to the highest possible point and dial 911 to contact emergency services.

Heavy rain increases the risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Remember this important advice: never attempt to drive through water on the road, even if it doesn’t appear deep. According to the weather service, as little as 30 cm of fast-moving 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 rains can cause flooding if they last for a long time or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be due to saturated soil and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these weather service recommendations to stay safe during heavy rain:

Be careful in case of flooding:

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:

Follow the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds to compensate for reduced traction and braking.

Reduce speed and drive carefully:

On wet roads, it is important to reduce speed. Slowly ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.

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.

Prioritize visibility:

In heavy rain, turn on your headlights to improve your visibility. Watch for vehicles in your blind spot as rain-smeared windows can obscure their view.

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:

• Overloaded wiper blades can reduce visibility. If rain is severely affecting your visibility, pull over to the side of the road and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or places sheltered from the wind.
• 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.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risks and ensure your well-being during heavy rain. Stay informed about weather conditions and follow the advice of local authorities to ensure your trip is safe and unharmed.

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