Flash Flood Warning for West Georgia until 2 a.m. Thursday

At 5:57 p.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning that was in effect until 2 a.m. Thursday. The warning applies to Harris, Meriwether, Muscogee, Pike, Talbot, Troup and Upson counties.

“At 5:57 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms that caused heavy rain in the warned area. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain fell. An additional 2 to 4 inches of rainfall is possible in the warning area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly,” the NWS said. “Flash flooding of small streams and creeks, urban areas, highways, streets and subways, and other poorly drained and low-lying areas.”

Locations affected by the warning include Columbus, Hamilton, Greenville, Manchester, Pine Mountain, Woodbury, Waverly Hall, Warm Springs, Woodland, Molena, Gay, Pine Mountain-Callaway Gardens, Sunset Village, Bibb City, Shiloh, Fd Roosevelt State Park, Pine Mountain Valley, Durand, Flint Hill and Harris City.

According to the NWS, “If you encounter flooded roadways, turn around and avoid drowning. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

Weather Alerts Breakdown: Advisories, Watches and Warnings

• Flash flood warning: take action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you find yourself in a flood-prone area, move to higher ground immediately. A flash flood is a sudden, intense flood that can take minutes to hours to develop. Flash flooding may even occur in areas where it does not rain immediately.

• Flood warning: take action!

A flood warning is issued when flooding is threatened or occurs.

• Flood Warning: Be Aware:

A flood warning is issued when flooding is not expected to be severe enough to trigger a warning. However, this can cause significant inconvenience and, if not careful, can result in situations that can endanger life and/or property.

• Flood watch: Be prepared:

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

NWS Flood Prevention Guidelines: Weathering the Storm

In flood-prone regions or when camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following NWS flood prevention guidelines can be life-saving:

Go to a higher level:

If you are in a flood-prone area or camping in a low-lying location, your first step should be to move to higher ground.

Follow evacuation instructions:

If local authorities issue an evacuation order, follow it immediately. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it.

Disconnect utilities and devices:

If time permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.

Avoid basements and flooded areas:

Avoid basements or flooded rooms with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.

Evacuate immediately for safety reasons:

If you notice sparks or hear any humming, crackling, cracking or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Do not enter water that may be electrically charged.

Do not walk in flood waters:

Never attempt to walk through flood water. Even 6 inches of fast-moving water can force you off your feet.

Find high ground if trapped:

If you become trapped by running water, get to the highest point available and call emergency services at 911.

During heavy rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, especially in low-lying and flood-prone regions. Always remember to never drive through water on the road, no matter how shallow it may be. According to the NWS, most vehicles can be swept away in just 1 foot of fast-moving water. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

Driving in the Rain: Safety Tips for Wet Roads

Rain can make roads dangerous. Stay informed and follow these NWS tips to stay safe during heavy rain:

Beware of rapid water flow:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches where fast-moving water can pose a serious hazard.

Maintain safe driving distances:

The two-second rule of maintaining distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend the time to four seconds to ensure a safe distance in adverse conditions.

Slow down and drive carefully:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. To prevent skidding, gradually ease off the accelerator pedal and avoid sudden braking.

Choose your lane wisely:

On multi-lane roads, stay in the middle lanes to minimize the risk of aquaplaning, as water often accumulates in the outer lanes.

Visibility is important:

Improve your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Be aware of vehicles in blind spots as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Be careful of slippery roads:

During the first half hour of rain, the roads are most slippery due to a mix of rain, dirt and oil. Be particularly careful during this time.

Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don't follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by the large tires impairs your visibility. Also be careful when passing; If you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

• Overloaded wiper blades can impair visibility. If rain severely reduces your visibility, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or sheltered areas.
• If the side of the road is your only option, drive off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guardrail, and wait for the storm to pass. Keep your headlights on and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to your position.

During heavy rain, these precautions can go a long way toward ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to keep up to date with weather conditions and follow advice from local authorities to ensure a safe journey.

Source: The National Weather Service