A flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 5:28 p.m. in effect until 8:30 p.m. for Allegheny County.
Published: May. 21, 2025, 5:34 p.m.A flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 5:28 p.m. in effect until 8:30 p.m. for Allegheny County. "At 5:28 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area.
Additional rainfall amounts up to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly," states the weather service. "Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas." Locations impacted by the warning include Pittsburgh, Penn Hills, Mount Lebanon, Bethel Park, Monroeville, McKeesport, West Mifflin, Baldwin, Upper St. Clair, Scott Township, Wilkinsburg, Whitehall, South Park Township, Robinson Township, Munhall, Jefferson Hills, North Versailles, Brentwood, Swissvale and Dormont. The weather service adds, "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles."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 advisory: Be aware: A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property.A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver: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.If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly. Prior to leaving, secure your home by locking it.If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.Never attempt to walk through floodwaters. Even just 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.Should you become trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and dial 911 to contact emergency services. During heavy rainfall, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Remember to never drive through water on the road, even if it seems shallow. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most cars. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it's prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.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.On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas. If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on 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. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.
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