The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued updated lakeshore flood advisories and warnings for several counties along the Great Lakes, urging residents to take precautions against rising water levels. On Monday at 3:38 AM EST, the NWS announced advisories for Keweenaw and Houghton counties, valid until 7 PM EST, indicating "Minor lakeshore flooding expected." The alert advised residents near the shore to protect their property amid forecasts of water encroaching on low-lying roads and areas.
Further updates from the NWS at the same time also mentioned similar advisories for Alger County, emphasizing the need for homeowners to safeguard against the anticipated flooding. According to the latest updates, some water could affect properties along the lakeshore, raising alarms for safety and preparedness.
Compounding these advisories, the service reported at 3:50 AM on the same day, updated flood warnings for Erie and Chautauqua counties, highlighting significant potential for lakeshore flooding. This warning is valid from 10 AM until 4 AM the following day, underlining the urgent situation where "The rapid rise in water levels at the eastern end of Lake Erie will result in lakeshore flooding along the Lake Erie shore." The NWS also stressed the risk of flooding along major routes such as Route 5, and local points like Buffalo Harbor and Dunkirk Harbor.
The announcements included stronger warnings: "A Lakeshore Flood Warning means lakeshore flooding is occurring, is imminent, or is expected to occur. For your safety, stay off breakwaters, piers, rock outcroppings, and beaches!" With expected wave actions leading to substantial shoreline erosion, warnings against potentially dangerous situations were reiterated. Residents were cautioned to observe significant beach erosion as well as possible local road closures.
Understanding the differences between flood alerts is key for residents to stay safe. The flash flood warning indicates immediate action is required when flooding is either imminent or currently happening, with the NWS urging people to move to higher ground. A flood warning indicates severe flooding is either on the verge of or already occurring. Meanwhile, a flood advisory signals increased awareness, indicating conditions may not reach alarming severity but could still lead to property and life hazards if caution is not exercised. A flood watch serves as preparation for potential flooding conditions.
To help those living or traveling through flood-prone areas, the NWS provides safety guidelines. Moving to higher ground is the foremost recommendation, particularly for those residing in designated flood zones. Prompt compliance with evacuation orders is emphasized, and homeowners should secure their properties by locking them and, if time allows, disconnecting utilities and appliances. The swift evacuation is key, especially if unusual noises such as buzzing or sparking are heard, indicating electrical hazards from flooding.
Avoiding flooded basements is also strongly advised, as submerged areas present significant dangers due to electrical outlets. Evacuation steps such as moving to the highest possible ground and calling emergency services if trapped by floodwaters are highlighted as life-saving measures. The importance of defeating misconceptions about traversing floodwaters is also emphasized; even shallow-looking water can be deceptively powerful, carrying away individuals, with just six inches of swiftly moving water posing risks.
Driving through flooded roads is critically advised against, with the NWS warning residents to stay informed and prepared as even 12 inches of flowing water can sweep away vehicles. Flood awareness and adherence to safety recommendations play fundamental roles during these intense weather events along the Great Lakes. Local authorities and the NWS encourage staying updated with local advisories and reports to navigate the affected areas safely.
These weather advisories reiterate the significance of preparation, heightened vigilance, and awareness as severe weather conditions escalate risks for lakeshore flooding and associated hazards along the Great Lakes. Residents are strongly encouraged to continue monitoring the NWS for updates, as the safety of both property and life relies heavily on responsiveness to these alerts.