Parts of South Florida are under a flood warning. Here are the dangers

South Florida is no longer under a flash flood warning as Tropical Storm Eta continues to move farther away, but forecasters are still asking people to be careful when out on the streets.

Rising water is still a danger to people and cars as streets flood and electrical wires fall. So, region is now under a flood warning. The warning is in effect for Broward County, northern Miami-Dade County and southern Palm Beach County until 9 p.m. Monday.

What’s the difference?

Flash floods are usually more dangerous because they’re caused by heavy rain in a short time, while regular flooding builds up slower and can also take days to recede.

Regardless, this could make Monday evening’s commute hazardous, particularly in urban areas, highways, streets, underpasses, near creeks and streams and in other low-lying areas.

“NEVER drive through flooded roadways. TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN!” the National Weather Service posted on Twitter early Monday when Tropical Storm Eta was causing “significant and potentially life threatening flash flooding.”

The flash flood warning expired at 3 p.m. Monday for Broward and northern Miami-Dade.

South Florida remains under a flood watch through Tuesday evening.

A coastal flood warning was also issued for the Florida Keys early Monday, with the most significant flooding expected along the Gulf side of the Lower Keys, and both bay side and oceanside in the Upper Keys, according to the weather service.

Here’s what it all means for you:

South Florida is under a flood warning. How does it affect me?

A flood warning means that flooding is occurring or will soon happen and that people need to be cautious and alert for potential dangers.

“Even though heavy rainfall has ended, reports of significant flooding are still being recorded. With that said, the Flood Warning will continue for the warned area as any additional rainfall will lead to flooding or add to ongoing flooding concerns,” the weather service wrote.

Cities that are experiencing or might see flooding include Miami, Hialeah, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Miramar, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, Davie, Miami Beach, Plantation, Sunrise, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Homestead, Tamarac, Margate, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne and South Miami.

“Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other drainage areas and low lying spots,” the weather service said.

The National Weather Service is urging everyone who can stay indoors until flooding recedes to do so.

“While rainfall will gradually come to an end it will take hours or even days for flood waters to recede. Outside of the east coast metro, heavy rainfall in rainbands may cause flooding across southwestern and interior portions of South Florida,” according to the weather service hazardous weather outlook.

Early Monday, the weather service warned about the risk of urban and flash flooding, strong winds, dangerous marine conditions and the possibility of tornadoes and waterspouts. It had also received significant reports of flooding across Broward County and in Miami-Dade before Monday’s early morning rush hour was set to begin.

“Reports of nearly impassable streets near Alton Road going into Miami Beach, just north of 1-95, with sides streets completely submerged. Also, reports of street flooding with roadways flooding in the Health District near NW 14th Street and NW 12th Ave with cars stalling out in the roadway,” the weather service wrote early Monday.

Since South Florida is under a flood watch, it also means that flooding will be possible through at least Tuesday evening. There is also a risk of rip currents across all South Florida beaches through most of the week.

What should I do if I am in a flooded area or driving to one?

Your safest option is to stay indoors until the flooding recedes. However, if you need to drive to work or are trying to go home, do not attempt to drive through flooded roads. If you come across a flooded road, turn around and find a different route. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles, according to the weather service.

You should also not be attempting to walk or swim in flooded roads.

“Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away,” according to Ready.gov, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s national public service campaign on how to respond to potential emergencies.

Make an emergency plan with your family, if you haven’t done so already, including on where you will go if you need to evacuate and move to higher ground. Have a phone readily available and charged to call 911 in case you need to be rescued.

The same goes if you are driving. And make sure you stay informed with the news for potential evacuation orders.