Coastal flood warning for Suffolk and Norfolk for Saturday

The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood warning at 3:08 a.m. Friday, valid from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, for Suffolk and Norfolk counties.

The weather service said: “If travel is necessary, please allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take necessary action to protect properties at risk of flooding.”

Understanding the differences between warnings, observations, and alerts

• Flash Flood Warning: Take Action!

A flash flood warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or occurring. If you are in an area prone to flooding, move to higher ground immediately. A flash flood is a sudden, violent flood that can take from a few minutes to several hours to develop. It is even possible for flash flooding to occur in areas that do not receive rain immediately.

• Flood Warning: Take Action!

A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or already occurring.

• Flood Warning: Beware:

A flood warning is issued when flooding is not expected to reach a flood warning level. However, flooding may still cause significant inconvenience and, if not taken care of, potentially lead to life and/or property threatening situations.

• Flood Warning: Be prepared:

A flood watch is issued when conditions are favourable for flooding. This does not mean that flooding will occur, but it is possible.

When a flood is coming: Weather service guidance to protect you

Floods can be a serious threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or camp in a low-lying area. To help keep you safe, the weather service offers basic flood safety guidelines:

Move to higher ground:

If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in low-lying ground, the first step towards staying safe 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 media and devices:

If time permits, disconnect utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding.

Avoid basements and flooded areas:

Avoid basements or rooms with water in them that have electrical outlets or wires. Preventing electrical accidents is key.

Quick evacuation for your safety:

If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, popping or crackling sounds, evacuate immediately. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.

Avoid walking in flood waters:

Never try to walk through floodwater, even if it seems shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can sweep you off your feet.

If you get trapped, look for a higher spot:

If you become trapped in running water, get to high ground and call 911 to request emergency services.

When heavy rains occur, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying, flood-prone areas. It is important to never attempt to drive through water on the road, no matter how deep it seems. According to the weather service, even 12 inches of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

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