The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Houston County at 11:52 a.m. Thursday, effective until 3:45 p.m.

“At 11:52 a.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms with heavy rainfall throughout the warning area. Flash flooding is underway or expected shortly,” the weather service explains. “Flash flooding in small streams and rivers, in urban areas, on highways, roads and underpasses, and in other poorly drained and low-lying areas.”

Places affected by the warning include Cottonwood, Marianna, Graceville, Dothan, Taylor, Kinsey, Ashford, Cowarts, Webb, Columbia, Chattahoochee, Malone, Sneads, Rehobeth, Cottondale, Grand Ridge, Greenwood, Grimes and Avon.

The weather service comments: “Turn around, do not drown if you encounter flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. Please report any flooding you observe to local emergency services or police and ask them to pass this information on to the National Weather Service as soon as you can do so safely.”

Weather alert breakdown: advisories, observations and warnings

• Flash flood warning: take action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or is already occurring. In areas at risk of flooding, it is important to get to higher ground immediately. A flash flood is a sudden and severe flood that can develop within minutes to hours and can occur even in areas where there is currently no rainfall.

• Flood warning: take action!

A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

• Flood warning: Please note:

A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is not expected to be severe enough to warrant a warning, but may cause significant inconvenience and, if care is not taken, may result in situations which may threaten life and/or property.

• Flood warning: Be prepared:

A flood warning is issued when conditions are favourable for flooding. It does not guarantee that flooding will occur, but indicates that the possibility exists.

Be prepared for flooding: Expert tips from the weather service for your safety

Flooding can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the Weather Service offers important flood safety guidelines:

Move to higher ground:

If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in low-lying areas, the first step to safety is to move to higher ground.

Follow the evacuation instructions:

If local authorities issue an evacuation order, obey it immediately. Secure your home by locking it before leaving.

Disconnect utilities and equipment:

If time permits, unplug your utilities and appliances. This will reduce the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.

Avoid flooded basements and flooded areas:

Avoid basements or rooms where sockets or cables are under water. This way you can avoid electrical accidents.

Fast evacuation for your safety:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, popping or banging noises, leave the area immediately. Avoid water that may be live.

Avoid going into flood water:

Never attempt to walk through flood water. Even 15 cm of fast-flowing water can sweep you off your feet with full force.

If you are trapped, seek higher ground:

If you become trapped in running water, go to the highest possible point and contact emergency services at 911.

During heavy rain, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Remember, never drive through water on the road, even if it is not deep. According to the weather service, just 30 cm of fast-moving water can sweep away most cars. Your safety is paramount by staying informed and prepared.

Navigating in heavy rain: Important safety measures for wet roads

Heavy rain increases the risk of flooding and dangerous roads. Here's your weather service guide to staying safe during downpours:

Be careful in case of flooding:

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

Keep the safety distance:

Follow the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds to compensate for reduced traction and braking.

Slow down and be careful:

When it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and reduce the speed gradually. Never brake suddenly, otherwise the car may skid.

Choose your lane carefully:

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

Prioritize visibility:

Turn on your headlights and watch for other vehicles behind you and in your blind spot, as they are particularly difficult to see through rain-soaked windows.

Be careful of slippery roads:

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

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid following them too closely and overtake them quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

• Overworked wiper blades can reduce visibility. If rain severely reduces your visibility, pull over to the side of the road and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or sheltered areas.
• If you can only stop at the side of the road, position your vehicle as far from the road as possible, ideally behind guard rails. Leave your headlights on and activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers to your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risks and ensure your well-being during heavy rain. Stay informed about weather conditions and follow the advice of local authorities to ensure your trip is safe and unharmed.

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