Expanding Flood Advisories
National Weather Service Issues Flood Advisories Across Multiple States
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The National Weather Service advised residents in flood-prone areas to lock their homes before evacuating and, if time allows, disconnect utilities and appliances. It also warned people to avoid basements or rooms where water has reached electrical outlets or submerged cords, and to leave immediately if they hear electrical buzzing or see sparks.
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The Alamance County advisory specifically asked residents to report observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement, which could then relay the information to the National Weather Service when it was safe to do so.
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The Guilford County advisory was issued at 6:18 p.m. Friday and was focused specifically on expected urban-area and small-stream flooding, with an expiration time of 9:15 p.m.
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For motorists caught driving in rain, the NWS recommended turning on headlights even during daylight, using middle lanes and staying on higher ground because water tends to collect along road edges.
The National Weather Service issued flood advisories across nine counties in North Carolina and Virginia on Friday, warning that excessive rainfall could cause flooding in low-lying areas, poor-drainage zones, and urban neighborhoods. Charlotte Observer reported that Martin and Washington counties faced advisories until early Saturday, while Randolph County, West Virginia, was under a flash flood warning until 6:30 p.m. Officials warned that just six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and about twelve inches can sweep away most vehicles.
An additional advisory covered Okanogan County, Washington, where officials warned of flooded roads, impassable low-water crossings, and possible rockslides and mudslides in burned or steep areas. Residents across all affected regions were urged to move to higher ground, follow evacuation orders, and avoid driving or walking through floodwater. Herald-Sun noted that the Guilford County advisory specifically focused on expected urban-area and small-stream flooding.
Nine Counties Brace for Heavy Rainfall and Minor Flooding
Flood advisories blanketed Martin, Washington, Halifax, Bertie, Northampton, Guilford, Alamance, Camden, and Pasquotank counties Friday evening. News & Observer reported that the National Weather Service issued the alerts with expiration times ranging from early evening to shortly after midnight. Each advisory warned that excessive rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying, poor-drainage, and urban areas, as well as along small streams.
Why Six Inches of Water Poses a Deadly Threat
Moving water is far more dangerous than it appears. The National Weather Service stressed that six inches of moving water can knock a person down. About twelve inches of water can sweep away most vehicles. Water tends to collect along road edges and low points, where drivers cannot easily see depth or current strength. This hidden danger makes flood-prone roads especially deadly during heavy rain events.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Home During Evacuation
If evacuation becomes necessary, the National Weather Service advised residents to lock their homes before leaving. Disconnect utilities and appliances when time allows. Avoid basements or rooms where water has reached electrical outlets or submerged cords. Leave immediately if you hear electrical buzzing or see sparks—those signs indicate serious electrical hazards. For motorists caught driving in rain, turn on headlights even during daylight, use middle lanes, and stay on higher ground.
Guilford County Watches for Urban and Small-Stream Flooding
The Guilford County advisory was issued at 6:18 p.m. Friday and expired at 9:15 p.m. It focused specifically on expected flooding in urban areas and along small streams, where water concentrates quickly on impermeable pavement and overwhelmed drainage systems. Alamance County asked residents to report observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement, which could relay that information to the National Weather Service once conditions were safe. This reporting helps forecasters track the storm's real-time impacts.
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