Prepare for showers in North Bay Friday afternoon – gusts to hit 40 mph
Marin Coastal Range, Coastal North Bay including Point Reyes National Seashore and North Bay Interior Valleys are included in a report for showers by the National Weather Service on Friday at 2:30 p.m. The alert is in effect until 3 p.m.
Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 2:30 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a shower 11 miles west of Stinson Beach, or 19 miles southwest of San Rafael, moving northeast at 25 mph,” the NWS San Francisco CA said. “Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous waters. Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”
Locations impacted by the alert include San Rafael, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, Corte Madera, Fairfax, San Geronimo, Stinson Beach, Lucas Valley-Marinwood, Kentfield, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Ross, Woodacre, Lagunitas-Forest Knolls and Bolinas.
The NWS said, “Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening weather conditions.”
Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather
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 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