Riverside and San Bernardino counties were placed under an updated flood advisory by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 4:29 a.m. The advisory is in effect until 7:28 a.m. According to the NWS San Diego CA, “Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.” “Minor flooding in low-ly ing and poor drainage areas. Ponding of water in urban or other areas is occurring or is imminent,” according to the NWS. “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.” Breaking down weather alerts: advisories, watches, and warnings Flash flood warning: Take action! A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is either imminent or already occurring. In flood-prone areas, it’s crucial to move immediately to higher ground. A flash flood is a sudden and violent inundation that can develop within minutes to hours, and it can even happen in areas not currently experiencing rainfall. Flood warning: Take action! A flood warning is declared when flooding is on the verge of happening or is already underway. Flood advisory: Be aware: A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property. Flood watch: Be prepared: A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible. Be flood-ready: Expert guidance from the NWS for your safety Floods can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or find yourself camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the NWS offers essential flood safety guidelines: Seek higher ground: If you reside in a flood-prone region or are camping in low-lying terrain, the first step to safety is relocating to higher ground. Follow evacuation orders: If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly. Prior to leaving, secure your home by locking it. Disconnect utilities and appliances: If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding. Avoid basements and submerged areas: Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial. Swift evacuation for your safety: If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid any water that may be charged with electricity. Stay away from floodwaters: Never attempt to walk through floodwaters. Even just 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet. Seek high ground if trapped: Should you become trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and dial 911 to contact emergency services. When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods. It is crucial to never drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the NWS, as little as 12 inches of fast-flowing water can carry away most vehicles. Stay safe by being prepared and informed. Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the NWS to stay safe in heavy rain: Beware of rapid water flow: In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger. Maintain safe driving distances: Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness. Slow down and drive with care: If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid. Choose your lane wisely: Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes. Visibility matters: Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them. Watch out for slippery roads: The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period. Keep a safe distance from large vehicles: Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass with caution. Mind your windshield wipers: Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots. When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position. By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound. 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