Greenville County Breathes a Sigh of Relief as Flood Advisory Expires Tonight
Good news for the folks in Greenville County, South Carolina! It looks like we’re going to have calm waters after quite a bit of a splash.
The Flood Advisory that’s been making us all a little extra cautious is due to expire tonight at the stroke of midnight. This measure also applies to our good neighbors over in Anderson. According to the folks who keep their eyes on the sky and tracks on our storms, the waters are receding and our heavy rain-filled days are finally a thing of the past. As it stands, flooding is not expected to pose a threat anymore. Hold on, though, let’s not run off just yet: remember to still respect any lingering road closures!
Some Friendly Reminders on Safety Measures
Still, here’s a bit of advice worth repeating. If you live in a flood-prone area, or find yourself camping out in a low-lying spot, don’t hesitate to move to higher ground. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you are told to evacuate, please do so immediately – but remember to lock your home before you go. Given enough time, cutting off your utilities and unplugging your appliances is a great idea too.
Now, a word of caution. Avoid rooms with submerged electrical outlets or cords – basements, in particular, can be a tad bit dangerous. If you happen to notice sparks, or hear any strange sounds like buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping, evacuate right away. Additionally, avoid water that could be electrified and never attempt to wade or walk through floodwaters.
A Few Words on Swiftly Moving Water
On the topic of water, did you know that just 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet? If you happen to find yourself trapped in moving water, get to the highest point you can quickly reach and give our emergency services a call at 911. Seemingly shallow water on roads can turn downright scary, especially during a heavy rain spell. An alarmingly small 12 inches of water can sweep most vehicles right off the roads. Now that’s something to take seriously!
Hydro-What Now?
Ever heard about hydroplaning? It’s a term for when your vehicle starts to slide uncontrollably on wet roads. Hydroplaning happens when water building up in front of your tires isn’t being pushed away quickly enough by the vehicle’s weight. This causes your car to rise and slide on a thin layer of water sandwiched between your tires and the road, causing you to lose control.
What to do if Your Vehicle Hydroplanes
In case this happens, don’t panic. Keep a clear head and remember these simple steps: pull your foot off the gas pedal gently, but do not step on the brakes. Slowly steer in the direction you want to go and wait for your car to regain traction.
If you have any suggestions or just want to chat about the weather (or flood advisories), feel free to reach out. Stay safe everyone!
