The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for Wheeler County at 10:27 p.m. on Friday, which is in force until further notice.
As stated by the weather service, “Minor flooding is forecast for John Day River at Service Creek.”
The weather service states, “Minor flooding will occur at 11.5 feet.” “When you come across flooded roads, turn around to avoid drowning. Vehicles are the primary cause of flood fatalities. At night, when it is more difficult to identify the risks of flooding, use extra caution. Walking close to riverbanks is advised to be done with caution.
Breaking down weather alerts: advisories, watches, and warnings
-
Flash flood warning: Take action!
When a flash flood is either approaching or has already occurred, a warning is given. Moving to higher ground right away is essential in places that are prone to flooding. A flash flood is a quick, intense flood that can form in a matter of minutes to hours and even occur in places that aren’t currently receiving any rain.
-
Flood warning: Take action!
When flooding is about to occur or has already started, a flood warning is issued.
-
Flood advisory: Be aware:
When flooding is not predicted to be severe enough to warrant a warning, a flood advisory is issued. But if care is not taken, it could result in circumstances that endanger life and/or property and cause a great deal of discomfort.
-
Flood watch: Be prepared:
When the weather is conducive to flooding, a flood watch is issued. Flooding is not guaranteed, but it is a possibility.
Weathering the storm: Flood safety guidelines from the weather service
Knowing and adhering to the weather service’s flood safety recommendations can be extremely helpful when camping in low-lying areas or in places that are prone to flooding:
Go to a higher location:
Moving to higher ground is the first line of defense if you live in an area that floods easily or are camping in a low-lying area.
Observe evacuation directives:
Respond quickly to any evacuation orders issued by local authorities. Secure your home by locking it before you leave.
Cut off appliances and utilities:
Disconnect your appliances and utilities if you have the time. By taking this precaution, electrical dangers during flooding are reduced.
Steer clear of waterlogged regions and basements:
Avoid basements or rooms with electrical outlets or cords submerged in water. This lessens the chance of electrical mishaps.
Quick evacuation to keep you safe:
Evacuate right away if you see sparks or hear popping, crackling, buzzing, or snapping sounds. Steer clear of any water that might be electrically charged.
Avoid the floodwaters:
Never try to cross flooding on foot. Six inches of quickly flowing water can knock you off your feet with force.
If you’re stuck, look for high ground:
If you find yourself caught by flowing water, move to the highest spot you can and dial 911 to reach rescue personnel.
floods is a possibility when there is a lot of rain, especially in areas that are low-lying and prone to floods. No matter how deep the water looks, it is crucial to never try to drive through it on the road. The weather service claims that most cars can be washed away by rushing water as little as 12 inches. Put your safety first by being aware and ready.
Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads
Flooding and dangerous driving conditions increase when heavy rain starts. Being ready is crucial, regardless of the duration of the rainfall or the rate of runoff. The weather service has provided the following important safety advice to help you stay safe during periods of severe rain:
Watch out for swift water flow:
Avoid parking or strolling close to drainage ditches or culverts during periods of intense rain, since the swift-moving water can be quite dangerous.
Keep your distances from other vehicles safe:
To keep a safe following distance behind the car in front of you, follow the two-second rule. To account for decreased traction and braking efficiency in heavy weather, give yourself an extra two seconds.
Reduce your speed and exercise caution:
Reduce your speed if it’s raining and the roads are wet. Reduce your speed gently by taking your foot off the accelerator. Never apply the brakes abruptly since this could cause the vehicle to slide.
Pick your lane carefully:
On multilane highways, stay in the middle lanes to reduce the chance of hydroplaning because water tends to pool in the outer lanes.
Visibility is important.
Turn on your headlights to improve visibility in severe rain. Rain-stained windows can make it difficult to see cars in blind zones, so be especially alert for them.
Be cautious on slick roads:
Roads are slickest during the first half-hour of rain because of a combination of rain, oil, and filth. Be especially careful during this time.
Stay a safe distance away from big cars:
Tire spray from big vehicles and buses can make it harder to see. Pass them quickly and safely, and refrain from tailgating.
Be mindful of your 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.
You may greatly lower dangers and protect your health when it rains a lot by adhering to these safety precautions. To ensure a safe and sound voyage, keep yourself updated on weather conditions and follow local authorities’ instructions.
United Robots offers a service called Advance Local Weather Alerts that gathers the most recent information from the National Weather Service using machine learning.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
