Flood warning for Lowndes and Montgomery counties until early Thursday evening

The National Weather Service issued a flood warning at 1:27 p.m. on Thursday that is in effect until 4:30 p.m. for Lowndes and Montgomery counties.

The weather service describes: “Flooding in cities and small rivers is expected due to excessive rainfall.”

“Minor flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas,” the weather service says. “Turn back, don't drown if you encounter flooded roads. 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 rainfall.

• 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 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.

Coping with Floods: Weather Service Safety Guidelines for Weathering Storms

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:

Move to higher ground:

If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in low-lying areas, the first step to safety 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 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 if it appears shallow. Even 6 inches of fast-flowing water can sweep you off your feet with full force.

Seek higher ground if you are trapped:

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

During heavy rain, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying or flood-prone areas. It is extremely important to never drive through water on the road, even if it does not appear to be deep. According to the weather service, as little as 30 cm of fast-moving water can sweep away most vehicles. Your safety is paramount by staying informed and prepared.

Driving in heavy rain: safety tips for wet roads

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.

Slow down and be careful:

When it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and reduce the speed gradually. Never brake suddenly, otherwise the car may skid.

Choose your lane carefully:

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

Prioritize visibility:

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 on 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.

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