Update: Flood advisory for Baker and Malheur counties until 3 a.m. Wednesday triggered by significant rainfall

The National Weather Service issued a new flood alert for Baker and Malheur counties on Tuesday at 11:58 p.m., which is in force until Wednesday at 3 a.m.

According to the weather service, “Excessive rainfall is likely to cause small stream flooding and dry washes.” There may be a slight debris flow in the Durkee Burn Scar.

“Rises in small streams and normally dry arroyos,” the weather agency said. “When you come across flooded roads, turn around to avoid drowning. Vehicles are the primary cause of flood fatalities. Even in areas that aren’t getting much rain, be on the lookout for floods. Even far-off rainfall can turn dry streams, rivers, and washes into violent, deadly currents in a matter of minutes.

Breaking down weather alerts: advisories, watches, and warnings

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  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.

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  Flood warning: Take action!
  

When flooding is expected or is happening, a flood warning is issued.

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  Flood advisory: Be aware:
  

When flooding is not predicted to become severe enough to warrant a warning, a flood advisory is issued. However, it still has the potential to be extremely inconvenient and, if careless, to result in circumstances that endanger life and/or property.

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  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

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:

Look for higher ground.

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.

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, snapping, or buzzing noises. Avoid going into 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.

When stuck, look for higher 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 though it can seem shallow, it is imperative that you never drive through 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. Be knowledgeable and ready to stay safe.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

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 flooding rivers:

When it rains a lot, stay clear from parking or strolling near culverts or drainage ditches since the swift-moving water could carry you away.

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:

Lowering your speed is essential on wet roads. To prevent skidding, gently release the gas pedal and refrain from applying sudden braking.

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.

Put visibility first:

As rain-spattered windows make it more difficult to see other vehicles, turn on your headlights and pay attention to those in blind spots and behind you.

Be cautious on slick roads:

Because of a combination of rain, oil, and grime, roadways are at their slickest during the first 30 minutes of precipitation. 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:

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  Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
  
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  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.
  

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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