Heavy Rain Prompts Flood Advisory for Allegheny County Until 2 a.m. Sunday

Filmogaz.com reports the National Weather Service issued a flood advisory Friday at 4:19 a.m. for Allegheny County. The advisory remains in effect until 2 a.m. Sunday after rounds of heavy rain. The agency says flooding from excessive rainfall is expected in some locations.

The weather service outlined river stage impacts. At 18.0 feet, water will reach the Monongahela Parking Wharf. At 19.0 feet, water will flow onto the North Shore Riverwalk between the stadiums.

How alerts differ

• Flash flood warning: Take immediate action. These occur when sudden, violent flooding is imminent or already happening.
• Flood warning: Take action. This alert means flooding is occurring or about to occur.
• Flood advisory: Be aware. Flooding is expected but not at warning severity. It can still cause problems and hazards.
• Flood watch: Be prepared. Conditions are favorable for flooding, but it is not certain to occur.

Immediate safety steps

• Move to higher ground if you are in a flood-prone or low-lying area.
• Follow evacuation orders from local officials without delay.
• Secure your home by locking doors and, if time allows, disconnecting utilities and appliances.
• Avoid basements and rooms with submerged electrical outlets or cords.
• If you hear buzzing, snapping, or see sparks, evacuate and avoid any water that may carry an electrical charge.
• Never walk through floodwaters. Six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet.
• If trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and call 911 for help.

Road and driving precautions during heavy rain

• Do not drive through flooded roadways. Just 12 inches of rushing water can sweep most vehicles away.
• Avoid parking or walking near culverts and drainage ditches where water moves quickly.
• Maintain a safe following distance. Use the two-second rule, and add two extra seconds in heavy rain.
• Slow down and avoid sudden braking to reduce the risk of skidding and hydroplaning.
• Prefer middle lanes on multi-lane roads, where water is less likely to pool.
• Turn on headlights to improve visibility and watch for vehicles in blind spots.
• The first 30 minutes of rain often produce the slickest road surfaces. Exercise extra caution then.
• Keep extra distance from large trucks. Their spray reduces visibility and can hide hazards.
• If visibility becomes dangerously low, pull over safely. Use rest areas or stop past guard rails when possible.
• Turn on emergency flashers while stopped to alert other drivers.

Stay tuned to local forecasts and official guidance. Prioritize safety and avoid unnecessary travel while the advisory is in effect.