Weather Warning, El Cerrito: Major Storm on the Way

BAY AREA, CA — Get ready for a soggy commute on Friday. The first major winter storm of the season is moving into the Bay Area and the East Bay is expected to get clobbered.

Plan on rain, wind and coastal flooding. Rain totals here should reach between a quarter- and a half-inch.

An East Bay Police Department has passed along these Wet Weather Driving Tips:

• Drive slowly. The posted speed limit applies only in optimal driving conditions. If rain is falling, slow down. Watch other drivers carefully. Look for drivers ahead of, next to and behind you, and be aware of their driving speeds. Think about what you would do if a driver near you slammed on the brakes, and leave enough space between your cars to compensate for such an event.
• Do not cross standing or running water if you do not know how deep it is. If you must cross running water to get to your destination, turn around and go home.
• If you are driving and need to slow down, brake carefully. Rainwater reduces traction between the road and your vehicle.
• Turn into a skid, just as you would if you were driving in snow. Turn carefully and brake gently. Avoid quick, jerky turns of the steering wheel.
• Turn your headlights on. The DMV requires headlight use if windshield wipers are on. You need to see everyone else including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
• Drive near the center line. Most roads are cambered so water runs off toward the sidewalks or storm drains, so you are less likely to encounter surprise puddles and hydroplaning in lanes that are closest to the center line.
• Pull over if you cannot see well. Sometimes the rain comes down so hard that visibility is almost completely restricted. Pull off the road and wait out the storm if you cannot see the road in front of you. Activate your emergency flashers so that other drivers can see where you are parked.
• Watch for pedestrians. It is much harder to see people walking in wet (or, even worse, dark and wet) weather, even if they are wearing reflective gear.
• Carry emergency supplies in your vehicle. You never know when you might need them.

Also See: When Does Daylight Saving Time 2016 End?

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