Marin Coastal Range, North Bay Interior Mountains and North Bay Interior Valleys are included in a report for showers by the National Weather Service on Monday at 9:10 a.m. The alert is in effect until 9:45 a.m.
Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 50 mph.
“At 9:10 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a shower 7 miles north of San Geronimo, or 7 miles west of Novato, moving northeast at 25 mph,” according to the NWS San Francisco CA. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Petaluma, Novato, Sonoma, Black Point-Green Point, Boyes Hot Springs, Temelec, El Verano and Glen Ellen.
The NWS said, “Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening weather conditions.”
Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather
Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the NWS to 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 gas pedal 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 them swiftly and safely.
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.
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.