At 5:57 p.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning that is in effect until 2 a.m. Thursday. The warning applies to Harris, Meriwether, Muscogee, Pike, Talbot, Troup and Upson counties.

“At 5:57 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms with heavy rainfall throughout the warning area. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are possible in the warning area. Flash flooding is underway or expected shortly,” the NWS explains. “Flash flooding in small streams and rivers, urban areas, highways, roads and underpasses, and other poorly drained and low-lying areas.”

Places affected by the warning include Columbus, Hamilton, Greenville, Manchester, Pine Mountain, Woodbury, Waverly Hall, Warm Springs, Woodland, Molena, Gay, Pine Mountain-Callaway Gardens, Sunset Village, Bibb City, Shiloh, Fd Roosevelt State Park, Pine Mountain Valley, Durand, Flint Hill and Harris City.

According to the NWS: “Turn around, don’t drown if you encounter flooded roadways. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

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.

NWS Flood Safety Guidelines: Weathering the Storm

In flood-prone areas or when camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following NWS flood safety guidelines can be life-saving:

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 will reduce the risk of 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.

For safety reasons, evacuate immediately:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, popping or banging noises, evacuate immediately. Do not enter water that may be live.

Avoid going into flood water:

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 contact emergency services at 911.

During heavy rain, the risk of flooding is increased, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Always remember to never drive through water on the road, no matter how shallow it appears. According to the NWS, as little as 12 inches of fast-moving water can sweep away most vehicles. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

Driving in heavy rain: safety tips for wet roads

Rain can make roads dangerous. Stay informed and follow these NWS tips to stay safe during heavy rain:

Be careful with fast water flow:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches where fast-flowing water can pose a serious hazard.

Keep the safety distance:

In heavy rain, the two-second following rule is helpful. Increase it to four seconds to ensure a safe following distance in adverse conditions.

Reduce speed and drive carefully:

On wet roads, it is extremely important to slow down. 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.

Visibility is important:

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:

Do not drive too close behind large trucks or buses. The spray created by their large tires will limit your visibility. Also be careful when overtaking; if you must overtake, do so 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 the side of the road is your only option, pull over as far as possible, preferably to the end of a guardrail, and wait for the storm to pass. Keep your headlights on and turn on 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.

Source: National Weather Service