NEW Weather: Lakeshore flooding for Erie and Chautauqua counties Sunday and Monday

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the lakeshore at 13.28 Saturday, valid from Sunday at 22.00 to Monday at 1 p.m. for Erie and Chautauqua counties.

The weather service says to prepare for: “Significant lakeshore flooding is possible.”

“The rapid rise in water levels in the eastern end of Lake Erie could result in lakeshore flooding along the Lake Erie shore. Flooding is possible along Route 5 in Hamburg, Buffalo Harbor and Canalside, Dunkirk Harbor and other flood-prone locations. Very high wave action may also result in significant coastal erosion,” the weather service said. “A Lakeshore Flood Watch means conditions favorable for lakeshore flooding are expected to develop. Residents on or near the coast should take steps to protect property and listen to local radio, television or NOAA Weather Radio for later statements or warnings.”

Your guide to weather warnings: advice, watches and warnings

• Flood Warning: Take Action!

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

• Flood Warning: Take Action!

A flood warning is declared when flooding is about to happen or is already underway.

• Flood Advisory: Please be aware of:

A flood advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be severe enough to issue a warning. However, it can cause significant inconvenience and, if care is not taken, can lead to situations that can threaten life and/or property.

• Flood watch: Be prepared:

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

Flood safety: Expert advice from the weather service

In flood-prone areas or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the Weather Service’s flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver:

Seek higher ground:

If you’re in a flood-prone area or if you’re camping in a low-lying spot, move to higher ground as a first step.

Follow evacuation orders:

When local authorities issue an evacuation order, you must comply immediately. Before you leave, secure your home by locking it.

Disconnect supplies and appliances:

If time permits, unplug your supplies and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding.

Avoid basements and sunken areas:

Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or wires. Prevention of electrical accidents is essential.

Evacuate immediately for safety reasons:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, popping or popping noises, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.

Stay away from flooding:

Never attempt to walk through floodwaters. Even just 6 inches of fast moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.

Seek high ground if trapped:

In the event you are trapped by moving water, go to the highest point available and contact emergency services by calling 911.

During heavy rain, flooding is possible, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Never drive through water on the road, even if it does not appear to be deep. It only takes 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars, according to the weather service. Be 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.