Update: The current flood advisory for Malheur County will be expiring at 7:45 p.m.

Malheur County was the subject of the advice.

“This evening at 7:45 p.m., the Flood Advisory will end for a section of southeast Oregon, which includes the Malheur area. The torrential rain has stopped. According to the National Weather Service, little stream flooding is no longer anticipated to be a concern.

Understanding the differences between 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 expected or is happening, 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. Although it doesn’t ensure flooding will happen, it does indicate that it is a potential.

Weathering the storm: Flood safety guidelines from the weather service

Floods can be a serious hazard, particularly if you live in a flood-prone location or camp in a low-lying area. The weather service provides crucial flood protection instructions to protect you:

Go to a higher location:

Moving to higher ground should be your first course of action if you’re camping in a low-lying location or in an area that is prone to flooding.

Respect evacuation directives:

Immediately comply with any evacuation orders issued by local authorities. Make sure your house is locked 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 going on foot in floodwaters:

Even if floodwaters seem shallow, you should never try to go over them. You can be swept off your feet with power by just 6 inches of swift-moving water.

If you’re stuck, look for high ground:

If you find yourself caught by flowing water, get to the highest position you can and call 911 to get help.

Flooding is a possibility when there is a lot of rain, especially in low-lying or flood-prone locations. Even if it looks shallow, it is imperative that you never drive across water on the road. The weather service claims that most cars can be washed away by as little as 12 inches of swift-moving water. Put your safety first by being aware and ready.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures 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:

In heavy rain, the two-second rule of following distance is your friend. To guarantee safe spacing under unfavorable circumstances, increase it to four seconds.

Reduce your speed and exercise caution:

It’s crucial to slow down on wet roads. To avoid sliding, reduce the accelerator gradually and don’t brake suddenly.

Pick your lane carefully:

Water tends to pool in the outside lanes, so stick to the central ones.

Visibility is important.

Turn on your headlights to improve visibility in severe rain. Rain-stained windows can hide cars in blind zones, so be cautious.

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:

Avoid following buses or big vehicles too closely. Their big tires produce a mist that blurs your eyesight. Additionally, be cautious when passing them; if you have to, pass swiftly and securely.

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.
  
• 
  If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
  

Taking these safety measures will significantly improve your road safety while it’s raining a lot. For a safe trip, 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.

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