Northern California is included in a report for showers by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 11:08 a.m. The alert is in effect until noon.
Prepare for pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 11:08 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a line of showers extending from 16 miles east of Mt. Hamilton to 10 miles south of Opal Cliffs, or extending from 18 miles northeast of Morgan Hill to 12 miles south of Santa Cruz, moving east at 30 mph,” according to the NWS San Francisco CA. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”
Locations impacted by the alert include San Jose, Watsonville, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Corralitos, Interlaken, Brown Valley Road, Amesti, Freedom, Prunedale, Rio Del Mar, Aptos, Moss Landing, San Martin, Aromas, Pajaro, Las Lomas, Aptos Hills-Larkin, Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley and Day Valley.
According to the NWS, “Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening weather conditions.”
The full list of affected locations includes:
- Santa Cruz Mountains
- Santa Clara Valley Including San Jose
- Eastern Santa Clara Hills
- Northern Monterey Bay
- Northern Salinas Valley/Hollister Valley and Carmel Valley
- Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast
Navigating heavy rain: Safety tips for wet roads
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 NWS to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of rapid water flow:
- During heavy rain, avoid playing near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.
Maintain safe driving distances:
- The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.
Slow down and drive with care:
- 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 turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:
- The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
- Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass with caution.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots. When stopping roadside, 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.
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 weather alerts in the Bay Area, visit Weather Advisories