Santa Cruz Mountains and Northern Monterey Bay were placed under a report for showers by the National Weather Service on Friday at 1:30 p.m. The alert is in effect until 2 p.m.
Wind gusts of up to 30 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) are expected.
“At 1:30 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a line of showers extending from 9 miles southwest of Ben Lomond to 14 miles southwest of Santa Cruz, or extending from 8 miles west of Santa Cruz to 14 miles southwest of Santa Cruz, moving northeast at 30 mph,” the NWS San Francisco CA said. “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 Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Capitola, Live Oak, Felton, Ben Lomond, Twin Lakes, Opal Cliffs, Soquel, Aptos, Rio Del Mar, Day Valley and Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley.
According to the NWS, “Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening weather conditions.”
Rainy day rules: How to stay safe in heavy precipitation
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 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