A coastal flood warning is in effect for Mobile and Baldwin counties through Thursday morning

At 3:10 a.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a coastal flood warning that was in effect for Mobile and Baldwin counties from 6 p.m. through 6 a.m. Thursday.

The weather service reports: “Minor coastal flooding expected.”

“Flooding of properties, parks and roads, with only isolated road closures expected. Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and local beach erosion. Currents can push even the best swimmers away from shore and into deeper water,” the weather service explains. “If travel is necessary, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through bodies of water of unknown depth. Take necessary measures to protect property at risk of flooding. Inexperienced swimmers should be kept away from the water because of the danger. Swim close to a lifeguard and do not swim against the current. If you are unable to escape the shore, call or wave for help.”

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 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 reach a level of severity requiring a warning. However, considerable inconvenience can occur and, if caution is not exercised, potentially life-threatening and/or property-related situations can arise.

• 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.

Coping with flooding: Weather Service flood mitigation guidelines for dealing with the storm

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 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 reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.

Avoid flooded 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 any humming, crackling, cracking or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Do not enter water that may be electrically charged.

Do not walk in flood waters:

Never attempt to walk through flood water, even if it appears shallow. Just 15 centimeters of water with high current speed 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.

During periods of heavy rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. It is important to avoid driving through water on the road, even if it appears flat. According to the weather service, most cars can be swept away in just 30 cm of water. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.

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