At 5:01 a.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service issued a flood warning for coastal Cumberland County, effective Saturday between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.

“Flooding up to half a foot above ground level is expected in low-lying areas near the coast and on tidal waterways,” the weather service adds. “Additional coastal flood warnings may be necessary during the next few nightly high tide cycles.”

“At this level, flooding will begin on the most vulnerable roads in coastal and bay communities, as well as along inland tidal waterways. Some roads will require partial or complete closure,” the weather service explains. “If you must travel, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barriers or through waters of unknown depth. Take necessary steps to protect buildings at risk of flooding.”

Your guide to weather alerts: advisories, observations and warnings

• Flash flood warning: take action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or is already occurring. In areas at risk of flooding, it is important to get to higher ground immediately. A flash flood is a sudden and severe flood that can develop within minutes to hours and can occur even in areas where there is currently no rainfall.

• Flood warning: take action!

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

• Flood warning: Please note:

A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is not expected to reach a level of severity that would warrant a warning. However, such a warning may cause significant inconvenience and, if ignored, may result in situations threatening life and/or property.

• Flood warning: Be prepared:

A flood warning is issued when conditions are favourable for flooding. It does not guarantee that flooding will occur, but indicates that the possibility exists.

Stay safe during floods: Expert tips from the weather service

Flooding can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the Weather Service offers important flood safety guidelines:

Move to higher ground:

If you are in a flood-prone area or camping in a low-lying area, the first step is to move to higher ground.

Follow evacuation instructions:

If local authorities issue an evacuation order, obey it immediately. Secure your home by locking it before leaving.

Disconnect utilities and equipment:

If time permits, unplug your utilities and appliances. This precaution will minimize electrical hazards during flooding.

Avoid flooded basements and flooded areas:

Avoid basements or rooms in contact with water where there are electrical outlets or cables. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.

For safety reasons, evacuate immediately:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, popping or banging noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid water that may be live.

Avoid going into flood water:

Never attempt to walk through flood water, even if it appears shallow. Even 6 inches of fast-flowing water can sweep you off your feet with full force.

If you are trapped, seek higher ground:

If you become trapped in running water, go to the highest possible point and call 911.

During heavy rain, the risk of flooding increases, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Remember this important advice: never attempt to drive through water on the road, even if it does not appear deep. According to the weather service, as little as 30 cm of fast-moving water can sweep away most vehicles. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots that uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.