New York Weather: Lakeshore flooding for Erie and Chautauqua counties for Sunday and Monday

The National Weather Service issued a lakeshore flood warning at 1:28 p.m. Saturday, effective for Erie and Chautauqua counties from 10 p.m. Sunday through 1 p.m. Monday.

The weather service says it is preparing for “significant lakeshore flooding.”

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

Your guide to weather alerts: advisories, watches and warnings

• Flash flood warning: take action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you find yourself in a flood-prone area, move to higher ground immediately. A flash flood is a sudden, intense flood that can take minutes to hours to develop. Flash flooding may even occur in areas where it does not rain immediately.

• Flood warning: take action!

A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or is already underway.

• Flood Warning: Be Aware:

A flood warning is issued when flooding is not expected to be severe enough to trigger a warning. However, this can cause significant inconvenience and, if not careful, can result in situations that can endanger life and/or property.

• Flood watch: Be prepared:

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

Stay safe during floods: competent advice from the weather service

In flood-prone regions or when camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the Weather Service’s flood prevention guidelines can be life-saving:

Find higher ground:

If you are in a flood-prone area or camping in a low-lying location, your first step should be to move to higher ground.

Follow evacuation instructions:

If local authorities issue an evacuation order, follow it immediately. Secure your home by locking it before you leave.

Disconnect utilities and devices:

If time permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding.

Avoid basements and flooded areas:

Avoid basements or flooded rooms with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.

Evacuate immediately for safety reasons:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, cracking or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Do not enter water that may be electrically charged.

Stay away from flooding:

Never attempt to walk through flood water. Even 6 inches of fast-moving water can force you off your feet.

Find high ground if trapped:

If you become trapped by running water, get to the highest point available and call emergency services at 911.

Heavy rain can lead to flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Never drive through water on the road, even if it does not appear to be deep. According to the weather service, it only takes 30 centimeters of water to wash away most cars. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

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