On Sunday at 12:49 a.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated flood advisory in effect until 3 a.m. The advisory is for Davidson, Forsyth, Guilford and Randolph counties.

The NWS adds, “Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues.”

“Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Ponding of water in urban or other areas is occurring or is imminent,” explains the NWS. “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.”

Deciphering advisories, 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 are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

• Flood warning: Take action!

A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

• Flood advisory: Be aware:

A flood advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

• Flood watch: Be prepared:

A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

NWS flood safety guidelines: Weathering the storm

In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the NWS flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver:

Move to higher ground:

If you’re in a flood-prone area, or if you’re camping in a low-lying spot, move to higher ground as a first step.

Adhere to evacuation orders:

When local authorities issue an evacuation order, promptly comply. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it.

Disconnect utilities and appliances:

If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.

Steer clear of flooded basements and submerged areas:

Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.

Evacuate promptly for safety:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid any water that may be charged with electricity.

Refrain from walking in floodwaters:

Never attempt to walk through floodwaters. Even just 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.

Seek high ground if trapped:

In the event you become trapped by moving water, make your way to the highest point available and contact emergency services by calling 911.

When heavy rain occurs, there is a risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions. It is important to never attempt to drive through water on the road, regardless of how deep it appears. According to the NWS, as little as 12 inches of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the NWS to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Beware of rapid water flow:

In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Slow down and stay cautious:

If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

Prioritize visibility:

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

• Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots.
• When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

Source: The National Weather Service

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

For several months, Yampiere Lugo has been going door to door, urging young people in North Carolina to vote in November.

With Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race and Kamala Harris’s arrival atop the Democratic ticket, the party activist says his generation — a key voting bloc — is fired up.

“I’ve talked to a lot of people around my age who have sort of all expressed the same sentiment — that they’re just so much more excited to have someone who’s just younger, more energetic,” Lugo told AFP.

The 25-year-old, who works as an administrative assistant at a local school, says even people he thought might skip the election altogether have said the vice president has their support.

The enthusiasm marks a sharp contrast with the situation Lugo was facing just over a month ago, when he was canvassing for Biden in Laurinburg, the seat of Scotland County, not far from the border with South Carolina.

At the time, the activist admitted to AFP that young voters were “frustrated” with their options, facing a choice between the 81-year-old Biden and Donald Trump, the 78-year-old Republican former president.

Now, Lugo believes Harris, 59, can win North Carolina, one of a handful of swing states likely to play a pivotal role in the race for the White House.

Winning here will be an uphill battle — the southern state has not voted for a Democrat in the presidential election since Barack Obama in 2008.

“North Carolina is going to have something to say in November,” said Zach Finley, the president of the Young Democrats of North Carolina.

But for Harris to turn the state Democratic blue, the party needs to campaign “the right way, turning out the folks we need to,” added Finley, who is also 25.

– ‘Excited’ –

On a national level, voters between the ages of 18 and 39 favored Biden over Trump in 2020 by a margin of about 20 percentage points, according to the Pew Research Center.

Finley says the party needs to “turn out young people who, especially in the last couple of years, have been really disincentivized” by the political process.

Democrats are getting out the vote the old-fashioned way in Scotland County — knocking on doors and talking to people.

The rural area is one of the most hotly contested political battlefields in the country — Hillary Clinton bested Trump here in 2016, but the Republican bounced back to defeat Biden in 2020, by just 287 votes.

In November, “it’s all about turnout,” says Garland Pierce, a Democratic state representative and a Baptist pastor.

“That’s what everybody’s really depending on, is the young voters to really go to the polls.

The lawmaker says Harris’s somewhat surprise breakthrough into the race has galvanized voters in North Carolina.

“It appears that young people are really excited” about her candidacy, he said, adding that the economy will be a key issue in the contest.

– ‘Cost of things’ –

Pierce’s prediction about the economy is shared by a number of young voters AFP met in the streets of Laurinburg, which is home to 15,000 residents.

“Everything used to be cheaper,” laments Donnie Leviner, an 18-year-old student with his own home renovation business.

Before Biden won the White House, “gas prices used to be way lower,” said Leviner, who added that he would vote for Trump in his first-ever trip to a presidential voting booth.

For Lucas Wylie, a 26-year-old engineer having a coffee at an outdoor cafe with his dog, young voters are “very focused on the cost of things and affordability.”

Wylie cited expensive housing and high interest rates as evidence of soaring prices, and said both would be important to him in November.

Finley agreed.

“There’s just a lot of pent-up anxiety being a young person in this country, not even being able to afford a home,” he said. “It’s almost out of reach, especially in North Carolina.”

Finley said Democrats need to reassure young voters that they are attuned to their concerns, and ready to deliver solutions.

Harris will need to convince young people that they will ultimately be able to “achieve some form of the American dream” — and offer the same thing to the next generation, Finley said.

rle/sst/bfm