At 12:42 a.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service issued a Coastal Flood Advisory in effect until 6 a.m. for Mobile County.

“Flooding of land, parks and roads with only isolated road closures expected. Rip currents can carry even the best swimmers away from shore and into deeper waters,” the weather service says. “If travel is necessary, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or into water of unknown depth. Take necessary steps to protect properties subject to flooding. Swim near a lifeguard. If you are caught in a rip current, relax and float. Do not swim against the current. If possible, swim in a direction that follows the shore. shore and call or signal for help.

Breakdown of weather alerts: advisories, watches and warnings

• Flash flood alert: act!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or already in progress. In flood-prone areas, it is crucial to move immediately to higher ground. A flash flood is a sudden, violent flood that can develop within minutes or hours, and it can even occur in areas that are not currently experiencing precipitation.

• Flood alert: act!

A flood warning is issued when flooding is about to occur or is already underway.

• Flood Warning: Caution:

A flood warning is issued when flooding is unlikely to reach a level of severity requiring warning. However, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without caution, potentially lead to situations endangering life and/or property.

• Flood Watch: Be Prepared:

A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. This does not guarantee that flooding will occur, but it does mean that the possibility exists.

Coping with Flooding: Weather Service Flood Safety Guidelines to Withstand the Storm

Flooding can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or camp in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the weather service offers essential flood safety instructions:

Move to higher ground:

If you live in a flood-prone area or camp on low-lying ground, the first step toward safety is to move to higher ground.

Follow evacuation orders:

When local authorities issue an evacuation order, obey promptly. Before leaving, secure your accommodation by locking it.

Disconnect utilities and appliances:

If weather permits, unplug your utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical risks in the event of flooding.

Avoid flooded basements and submerged areas:

Avoid basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents.

Evacuate quickly for safety reasons:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, popping or popping sounds, evacuate immediately. Avoid any water that could be charged with electricity.

Stay away from flood waters:

Never attempt to cross floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can sweep you away with force.

Seek higher ground when trapped:

If you are trapped by moving water, get to the highest point available and contact emergency services by calling 911.

When heavy rain occurs, there is a risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying or flood-prone areas. It is crucial to never drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the weather service, just 12 inches of fast-flowing water can wash away most vehicles. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.