The National Weather Service issued a coastal flooding statement at 2:27 p.m. Saturday, effective for Sunday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties.

The weather service comments: “Up to a foot of flooding above ground level is expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways (2.8 to 13.1 feet of average low water ).”

“Sporadic pockets of shallow flooding less than a foot deep may affect lower-lying areas of the coast, including Morrissey Boulevard in Boston. Most roads remain passable. Flooding up to a foot deep depth affect coastal roads on the North Shore from Salem to Gloucester and Newburyport. Rough surf will cause flooding on some coastal roads at the time of high tide due to splashing. Low lying areas and roads near the harbor. Nantucket, including Easy Street, could experience pockets of shallow flooding, less than a foot deep,” the weather service commented. “Do not drive on flooded roads.”

Your guide to weather alerts: advisories, watches and warnings

• 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 imminent or in progress.

• 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.

Weathering the Storm: Flood Safety Guidelines from the Weather Service

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 safety instructions against flooding:

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:

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 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.

Rapid evacuation for your safety:

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 when trapped:

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

During heavy rains, flooding is possible, particularly in low-lying, flood-prone areas. Never drive through water on the road, even if it does not appear deep. According to the weather service, it only takes 12 inches of rushing water to wash away most cars. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.

Dealing with heavy rain: essential safety measures for wet roads

Heavy rains can cause flooding if they are prolonged or if runoff is excessive. Excessive runoff may be due to soil saturation and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service 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 risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

The two-second rule for tracking distance is your friend in heavy rain. Extend it up to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

Reduce speed and drive carefully:

On wet roads, it is essential to slow down. Release the accelerator gradually and avoid sudden braking to avoid skidding.

Choose your path wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Exterior pathways are more prone to water accumulation.

Prioritize visibility:

Improve your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Pay particular attention to vehicles in blind spots, as rain-stained windows can obscure them.

Be careful of slippery roads:

The first half hour of rain is when the roads are most slippery due to a mixture of rain, grime and oil. Exercise extreme caution during this time.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Do not follow large trucks or buses too closely. The projections created by their large tires reduce your vision. Also be careful when passing them; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

• Overloaded wiper blades can impede visibility. If rain seriously impairs your vision, stop and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or sheltered places.
• When stopping at the side of the road is your only option, position your vehicle as far from the road as possible, ideally beyond the guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate the hazard lights to alert other drivers of your location.

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 heed advice from local authorities to make your trip safe and sound.

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.