NEW Weather: Erie and Chautauqua counties under a lakeshore flood warning until Monday afternoon

Sunday at 03.06 a lakeshore flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service, valid from 22.00 to Monday at 1 p.m. for Erie and Chautauqua counties.

The weather service adds: “Significant lakeshore flooding is expected.”

“The rapid rise in water levels in the eastern end of Lake Erie will result in lakeshore flooding along the shores of Lake Erie. Flooding is likely along Route 5 in Hamburg, Buffalo Harbor and Canalside, Dunkirk Harbor and other flood-prone locations. Very high wave action will also result in significant coastal erosion,” describes the weather service. “A lakeshore flood warning means that lakeshore flooding is occurring, is imminent or expected to occur. For your safety, stay away from breakwaters, jetties, rock outcrops and beaches! Waves are often bigger than they look and can easily wash you away. Expect significant beach erosion and debris, local road closures and extremely dangerous boating conditions.”

Deciphering advisories, watches and warnings: Understanding weather warnings

• Flood Warning: Take Action!

A flood warning is issued when a flood is either imminent or already occurring. In flood-prone areas, it is crucial to move immediately to higher ground. A flash flood is a sudden and violent flood that can develop within minutes to hours, and it can even happen in areas that are not currently experiencing rainfall.

• 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 reach a level of severity that necessitates a warning. Nevertheless, it can still cause significant inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that 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.

Weathering the Storm: Flood Safety Guidance from the Weather Service

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

Seek higher ground:

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

Comply with evacuation orders:

If local authorities issue an evacuation order, follow it 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 flooded basements and submerged areas:

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

Quick evacuation for your safety:

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.

Refrain from walking in floods:

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

Seek higher ground when 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.