The National Weather Service issued an advisory at 8:43 a.m. Monday for heavy rain and flooding until 9:45 a.m. for Bristol County.
“At 8:39 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a thunderstorm near Fall River, moving northeast at 60 mph. Disturbance flooding possible in low-lying areas” , says the weather service. “Minor. Water on roads that flood easily.”
Locations affected by the alert include Fall River, Dartmouth, Tiverton, Westport and Freetown.
According to the weather service, “Do not drive on flooded roads or underpasses.”
Heavy rain safety: what you need to know
Heavy rains can cause flooding if they are prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff may be the result of saturated soil and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these weather service recommendations to stay safe in heavy rain:
Watch out for swollen waterways:
- Do not play in or around culverts or drainage ditches, as the fast-moving water that occurs during heavy rain can sweep you away.
Maintain safe driving distances:
- Use the two second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.
Slow down and be careful:
- If it’s raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let the speed drop gradually. Never apply the brakes suddenly as this can cause the car to skid.
Choose your lane wisely:
- Stick to the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outer lanes.
Visibility matters:
- Turn on your headlights.
- Be careful of other vehicles behind and in blind spots, as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
Beware of slippery roads:
- Be careful in the first half hour after the rain starts. Dirt and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
- Do not follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by its large tires reduces your vision. Be careful when passing them too; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
Watch out for windshield wipers:
- Heavy rain can overload brooms. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to subside. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas. If the only option is the side of the road, pull as far as possible, preferably beyond the end of a guardrail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and flash your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risks and ensure your well-being when it rains heavily. Stay informed of weather conditions and listen to advice from local authorities to ensure your journey is safe and secure.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service offered by United Robots, which uses machine learning to gather the latest data from the National Weather Service.