Flooding is possible in 3 New Jersey counties through Wednesday morning

The National Weather Service issued a Coastal Flood Watch at 4:26 a.m. Tuesday, effective for Wednesday between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. in Hudson, Essex and Union counties.

The weather service adds: “If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around curbs or through water of unknown depth. Take necessary measures to protect property vulnerable to flooding.”

This warning is in effect until Wednesday at 7 a.m

Understand the differences between advisories, watches and warnings

• Flash Flood Warning: Take Action!

A flash flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or is already occurring. In areas prone to flooding, it is necessary to move immediately to higher ground. A flash flood is sudden, violent inundation that can develop within minutes to hours, and can occur even in areas that are not currently experiencing rainfall.

• Flood Warning: Take Action!

A flood warning is announced when flooding is about to occur or is already underway.

• Flood Warning: Pay attention:

A flood warning is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, this may cause significant inconvenience and, if care is not taken, may lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

• Flood Watch: Be Prepared:

A flood warning is issued when conditions are conducive to flooding. It does not guarantee that flooding will occur, but it indicates that the possibility exists.

Weathering the Storm: Flood Safety Guidelines from the Weather Service

Floods can be a major threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or find yourself camping in a low-lying area. To ensure your safety, the Weather Service offers basic flood safety guidelines:

1. Find high ground:

• If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, the first step to safety is to move to higher ground.

2. Adherence to evacuation orders:

• When local authorities issue an evacuation order, obey it immediately. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it.

3. Disconnect utilities and appliances:

• If time permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This precaution reduces electrical risks during floods.

4. Stay away from flooded basements and flooded areas:

• Stay away from basements or rooms with flooded outlets or electrical cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents.

5. Immediate safety evacuation:

• If you notice a spark or hear buzzing, clicking, clicking or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.

6. Refrain from walking in flood water:

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

7. Look for higher ground if you are trapped:

• If you become trapped by moving water, get to the highest point possible and call 911 to contact emergency services.

During periods of heavy rainfall, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas, the risk of flooding increases. Remember this important tip: Never try to drive through water on the road, even if it seems shallow. According to the weather service, at least 12 inches of fast-moving water could carry most vehicles away. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.

Navigating in heavy rain: basic safety measures for wet roads

When heavy rains fall, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads increases. Here’s your guide from the weather service to staying safe during rain:

Beware of rapid water flow:

• In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near sewers or drainage ditches, as fast-moving water can pose a serious hazard.

Maintain safe driving distances:

• The two-second rule for distance tracking is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

Reduce speed and drive carefully:

• On wet roads, reducing speed is crucial. Ease the accelerator pedal gradually and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your path wisely:

• Stick to the middle lanes to reduce the risk of aquaplaning. Exterior walkways are more susceptible to water accumulation.

Setting vision priorities:

• Turn your headlights on and be aware of other vehicles behind you and in blind spots as they are especially difficult to see through rain-splashed windows.

Beware of slippery roads:

• Be very careful during the first half hour after the rain starts. Dirt and oils on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

• Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tracking and pass quickly and safely.

Take care of the windshield wipers in your car:

• Overloaded wiper blades can obstruct visibility. If rain severely impairs your visibility, stop and wait until conditions improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or protected places.
• When stopping on the side of the road is your only option, park your vehicle as far off the road as possible, preferably behind guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate your emergency lights to alert other drivers of your location.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a big difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed of the weather conditions and listen to local authorities’ advice for a safe trip.

Advanced Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to collect the latest data from the National Weather Service.