3 NJ counties under a coastal flood Thursday and Friday

Tuesday at At 5:22 p.m., a coastal flood watch was issued by the National Weather Service, effective as of Thursday. 4 a.m. to Friday noon for Ocean, Atlantic and Burlington counties.

“One to two feet of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways,” the weather service said. “Spotted minor tidal flooding possible beginning with high tide early Wednesday morning.”

“At this level, widespread roadway flooding is occurring in coastal and bay communities and along inland tidal waterways. Many roads will become impassable. Some damage to vulnerable structures may begin to occur,” the weather service comments. “If travel is necessary, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take necessary precautions to protect property at risk of flooding.”

Breaking down weather alerts: advice, watches and 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 issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

• 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

Flooding can be 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:

Move to 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.

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 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 immediately. Avoid water that may be charged with electricity.

Refrain from walking in floods:

Never attempt to walk through floodwaters, even if they look shallow. Just 6 inches of fast moving water can forcefully sweep you off your feet.

Seek higher ground when trapped:

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

During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. It is imperative to avoid driving through water on the road, even if it seems shallow. According to the weather service, most cars can be swept away by just 12 inches of rushing water. 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.