A flood warning is in effect for Franklin County until Friday morning

At 7:13 a.m. Friday, the National Weather Service issued a flood warning that was in effect for Franklin County until 10:15 a.m.

The weather service adds: “Flooding is expected in Franklin County due to excessive rainfall.”

“Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone areas is imminent or already underway. Flows continue to rise due to excessive runoff from previous rains. Expect many areas of slow-moving or standing water,” the weather service explains. “Turn back, do not drown, if you encounter flooded roadways. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

Your guide to weather alerts: 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. In areas at risk of flooding, it is important to get to higher ground immediately. A flash flood is a sudden and severe flood that can develop within minutes to hours and can occur even in areas where there is currently no 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.

Weather Service Flood Safety Guidelines: Weathering the Storm

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 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 precaution will minimize electrical hazards during flooding.

Avoid flooded basements and flooded areas:

Avoid basements or rooms where sockets or cables are under water. This way you can avoid electrical accidents.

For safety reasons, evacuate immediately:

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.

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. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

Driving in heavy rain: safety tips for wet roads

Rain can make roads dangerous. Stay informed and follow these weather service tips to stay safe during heavy rain:

Be careful in case of flooding:

During heavy rain, do not park or walk near culverts or drainage ditches as fast-flowing water can pose a great danger.

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.

Reduce speed and drive carefully:

On wet roads, it is extremely important to slow down. Ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.

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:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid following them too closely and overtake them quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

• Overloaded wiper blades can reduce visibility. If rain severely reduces your visibility, pull over to the side of the road and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or sheltered areas.
• If you can only stop at the side of the road, position your vehicle as far from the road as possible, ideally behind guard rails. Leave your headlights on and activate 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.