At 3:10 a.m. Wednesday, a Coastal Flood Advisory was issued by the National Weather Service, effective from 6:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. Thursday for Mobile and Baldwin counties.

The weather service says: “Light coastal flooding is expected.”

“Flooding of land, parks and roads with only isolated road closures expected. Hazardous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Rip currents can carry even the best swimmers from shore to deeper waters” , explains the meteorological service. “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 prone to flooding. Inexperienced swimmers should stay out out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. Swim near a lifeguard If you are caught in a rip current, relax and do not float against the current. If you can, swim in one direction. that follows the shore. If you cannot escape, face the shore and call or signal for help.

Deciphering advisories, watches and warnings: understanding weather alerts

• Flash flood alert: act!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or in progress. If you are in an area prone to flooding, move to higher ground immediately. A flash flood is a sudden, violent flood that can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours to develop. It is even possible to experience flash flooding in areas that do not immediately receive rain.

• 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 for Weathering the Storm

In flood-prone areas or when camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service’s flood safety guidelines can save your life:

Seek 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:

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

Disconnect utilities and appliances:

If weather permits, unplug your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards in the event of flooding.

Avoid flooded basements and submerged areas:

Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.

Evacuate quickly for safety reasons:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, popping or popping sounds, evacuate immediately. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.

Avoid walking in 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 if you get stuck:

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

During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying, flood-prone areas. It is imperative to avoid driving through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the weather service, most cars can be swept away by as little as 12 inches of rushing water. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.

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.