Lakeshore Flood Warning affecting Marquette and Alger counties Thursday

The National Weather Service issued a lakeshore flood warning at 3:57 p.m. EST on Wednesday, effective for Marquette and Alger counties between 3 a.m. EST and 1 p.m. EST on Thursday.

The weather service states: “Light flooding expected along the lakeshore.”

“Partial water on low-lying roads and properties along the lakeshore,” the weather service commented. “Residents on or near the shore should take appropriate measures to protect properties from rising water levels.”

Deciphering Notices, Watches and Warnings: Understanding Weather Alerts

• Flash flood warning: take action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or already occurring. In flood-prone areas, it is important to move to higher ground immediately. A flash flood is a sudden and intense flood that can develop within minutes to hours and can occur even in areas where there is currently no rain.

• Flood warning: take action!

A flood warning is issued when flooding is threatened or occurs.

• Flood Warning: Be Aware:

A flood warning is issued when flooding is not expected to be severe enough to warrant issuing 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. That doesn’t mean there will be flooding, but it is possible.

Be prepared for flooding: expert guidance from the weather service for your safety

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:

Go to a higher level:

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

Follow the evacuation instructions:

If local authorities issue an evacuation order, follow it immediately. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it.

Disconnect utilities and devices:

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

Avoid flooded basements and flooded areas:

Stay away from basements or rooms where electrical outlets or cords are submerged. This helps prevent electrical accidents.

Quick evacuation for your safety:

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 if it appears shallow. Just 15 cm of water with high current speed can violently knock you off your feet.

Find high ground if trapped:

If you become trapped by flowing water, reach the highest point possible and call 911 to contact emergency services.

During heavy rain, there is a risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions. It is important that you never attempt to drive through water on the road, no matter how deep it may be. According to the weather service, just 30 centimeters of water can wash away most vehicles. 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.