San Bernardino County is the focus of a flood watch issued at 11:14 p.m. on Sunday by the National Weather Service. The watch is valid from Wednesday 4 a.m. until Thursday Dec. 25, at 4 a.m. According to the NWS Las Vegas NV, “Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.” “Excessive runo ff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded,” the NWS said. “You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.” The full list of affected locations includes: Death Valley National Park Western Mojave Desert Eastern Mojave Desert, Including the Mojave National Preserve Morongo Basin Cadiz Basin San Bernardino County-Upper Colorado River Valley Lake Havasu and Fort Mohave Northwest Deserts Lake Mead National Recreation area Owens Valley Northeast Clark County Western Clark and Southern Nye County Spring Mountains-Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas Valley Southern Clark County Breaking down weather alerts: advisories, watches, and warnings 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 declared when flooding is on the verge of happening or is already underway. 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. Flood watch: Be prepared: A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It doesn’t guarantee that flooding will occur, but it signifies that the possibility exists. Keeping safe during floods: Expert advice from the NWS 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: If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly. Prior to 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. Stay away from 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: 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 NWS, as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most cars. 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: During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk. 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. Reduce speed and drive cautiously: On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the accelerator gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding. Choose your lane wisely: Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water. Visibility matters: 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. Watch out for slippery roads: 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. Keep a safe distance from large vehicles: Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so with caution. Mind your windshield wipers: Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered 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. By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound. For more local weather alerts, visit our Weather Advisory page ...read more read less