Weather in NYC: Flood warning issued for Staten Island for Saturday

The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood warning at 5:29 a.m. Friday, effective for Staten Island between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday.

The weather service comments: “If you must travel, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around roadblocks or through waters of unknown depth. Take necessary steps to protect property at risk of flooding.”

Deciphering advisories, observations and warnings: Understanding weather 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 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. This does not mean that flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Braving the storm: Advice on flood protection from the weather service

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 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 flooded basements and flooded areas:

Avoid basements or rooms in contact with water where there are electrical outlets or cables. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.

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 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 call 911.

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.

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