At 10:46 a.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a flood warning that was in effect from 1:00 p.m. Friday through 11:18 p.m. Sunday for Chambers, Randolph and Tallapoosa counties.

The weather service describes: “Minor flooding is forecast for the Tallapoosa River near Wadley.”

“At 13.0 feet of water, flooding of pastureland in the area will occur and livestock and farm equipment should be moved to higher ground if higher levels are forecast. At 18.0 feet of water, flooding of low-lying farmland and floodplains will increase and livestock and farm equipment should be moved to higher ground,” the weather service explains. “Turn back, do not drown, if you encounter flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. The next statement will be issued late tonight or earlier if conditions warrant.”

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 already underway.

• 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.

Weather Service Flood Safety Guidelines: Weathering the Storm

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

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 the 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 flooded 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, 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.

Seek higher ground if you are trapped:

If you become trapped in running water, go to the highest possible point and contact emergency services at 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.

Mastering wet roads: 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:

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:

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.

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:

Stay in the middle lanes to minimize the risk of aquaplaning. More water can collect in the outer lanes.

Visibility is important:

Turn on your headlights and watch for other vehicles behind you and in your blind spot, as they are particularly difficult to see through rain-soaked windows.

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 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.

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.