Alabama News

General News

Pairings set for Sun Belt baseball tournament in Montgomery

The 10-team field is set for the Sun Belt Conference baseball tournament, with both Troy and South Alabama set to play at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery next week.

The Trojans (36-20 overall, 18-12 Sun Belt) locked up the third seed after splitting a doubleheader with James Madison on Saturday. Troy faces No. 6 Appalachian State (31-19-1, 16-13-1) in the first game of the double elimination portion of the tournament at 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

The Jaguars (31-24, 14-16) won just one of three games at Louisiana this weekend, but it was enough to reach the Sun Belt tournament after a one-year absence when Texas State and Georgia State both lost on Saturday. South Alabama is the No. 9 seed and will face No. 8 Old Dominion (29-24, 15-15) in the second of two single-elimination games at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Tournament play continues through Sunday’s championship game. All Sun Belt Conference tournament games will be streamed live via ESPN+.

2024 Sun Belt Conference baseball tournament

At Riverwalk Stadium, Montgomery

All times Central

Tuesday, May 21 (single elimination)

Game 1: No. 7 Coastal Carolina vs. No. 10 Georgia State, 3 p.m., ESPN+

Game 2: No. 8 Old Dominion vs. No. 9 South Alabama, 6:30 p.m., ESPN+

Wednesday, May 22 (double elimination begins)

Game 3: No. 3 Troy vs. No. 6 Appalachian State, 9 a.m., ESPN+

Game 4: No. 2 Southern Miss vs. highest-seeded Round 1 winner, 12:30 p.m., ESPN+

Game 5: No. 1 Louisiana vs. lowest-seeded Round 1 winner, 4 p.m., ESPN+

Game 6: No. 4 James Madison vs. No. 5 Georgia Southern, 7:30 p.m., ESPN+

Thursday, May 23

Game 7: Loser Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4, 9 a.m., ESPN+

Game 8: Loser Game 5 vs. Loser Game 6, 12:30 p.m., ESPN+

Game 9: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 4 p.m., ESPN+

Game 10: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, 7:30 p.m., ESPN+

Friday, May 24

Game 11: Loser Game 9 vs. Winner Game 7, 3 p.m., ESPN+

Game 12: Loser Game 10 vs. Winner Game 8, 6:30 p.m., ESPN+

Saturday, May 25

Game 13: Winner Game 9 vs. Winner Game 11, 9 a.m., ESPN+

Game 14: Winner Game 10 vs. Winner Game 12, 12:30 p.m., ESPN+

Game 15 (if necessary): Winner Game 13 vs. Loser Game 13, 4 p.m., ESPN+

Game 16: (if necessary): Winner Game 14 vs. Loser Game 14, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 26

Championship game, 1 p.m., ESPN+

General

Update: Expect pea-sized hail with thunderstorms in Alabama Saturday

An updated report from the National Weather Service was issued on Saturday at 10:21 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 11:15 p.m. for Choctaw, Washington and Clarke counties.

The storms may bring wind gusts of up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches).

“At 10:20 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 5 miles south of Butler, moving southeast at 20 mph,” according to the weather service. “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 Millry, Silas, Coffeeville, Gilbertown and Toxey.

According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:

1. Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

2. Indoors safety measures:

Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

3. Wait for the all-clear:

After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Beware of swollen waterways:

In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.

Prioritize visibility

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:

Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly 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.
If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

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.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

General

1 wounded, 1 detained in southwest Birmingham shooting

An investigation is ongoing after a man was shot and seriously injured in Birmingham Saturday night.

The shooting happened about 7:45 p.m. in the 600 block of 10th Street S.W. That is near Princeton Baptist Medical Center.

Officers Truman Fitzgerald said the victim suffered life-threatening injuries.

A suspect is in custody.

No additional information has been released.

General

Water in over the mountain cities safe despite taste, odor concerns, Birmingham Water Works says

Birmingham Water Works officials said Saturday night that they are aware of concerns about water in some south Birmingham and over the mountain cities.

Some residents took to social media on Saturday with concerns about the taste and odor of their water.

Rick Jackson, spokesman for Birmingham Water Works, said complaints have been lodged by customers in north Hoover, Homewood, Mountain Brook, portions of Vestavia Hills and in the UAB area.

“Our water quality team has conducted tests confirming that the water is safe to drink,’’ Jackson said in a statement Saturday night.

“Additionally, we are actively conducting flushing and sampling in accordance with our protocols and will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

General

Driver who exited wrecked vehicle on I-59 struck, killed by tractor-trailer; passenger injured

A Cullman man was killed in an early-morning crash Saturday on I-59 near Hueytown.

Alabama State Troopers identified the fatality victim as Martin Rodrguez-Ramirez. He was 20.

Senior Trooper Cody Farrar said Rodriguez-Ramirez was driving a GMC Acadia that crashed into a guardrail. When Rodriguez-Ramirez got out of the wrecked vehicle, he was hit by a Freightliner tractor-trailer driven by 22-year-old Carlos H. Almaguer-Perez of Florida.

The tractor-trailer then hit the Acadia.

Rodriguez-Ramirez was pronounced dead on the scene. His passenger, 31-year-old Jorge Luis-Almanaza, of Mississippi, was taken to UAB Hospital. The passenger was still in the vehicle when it was hit.

The crash happened one mile east of Hueytown. The northbound lanes were shut down for several hours following the deadly crash.

Troopers are investigating.

General

Live updates as Auburn softball looks to keep its NCAA Tournament run alive vs. UCF

For Auburn softball, the turnaround time couldn’t be quicker.

After a 9-0 run-rule victory over Chattanooga Saturday evening, Auburn is set to return to the dirt of Florida State’s JoAnn Graf Field after a break of just 35 minutes to take on the UCF Knights for the second time in two days.

Auburn dropped its Tallahassee Region-opener to UCF on Friday as the Knights came from behind to beat the Tigers 11-6. However, after the Knights lost to 15th-seeded Florida State Saturday afternoon, they found themselves in the losers’ bracket alongside the Tigers.

There’s a lot on the line for both the Tigers and Knights as the losing team will see the curtain close on their 2024 season, while the winning team will live to see another day and draw a date with the hosting Seminoles on Championship Sunday.

Follow along for updates from Saturday’s nightcap in Tallahassee:

Starting lineups

AUBURN: LF KK McCrary, CF Makayla Packer, DP Amelia Lech, C Anna Wohlers, 1B Axe Milanowski, 3B Annabelle Widra, 2B Rose Roach, SS Nelia Peralta, RF Abbey Smith, P Maddie Penta

UCF: C Jada Cody, 1B Shannon Doherty, DP Sona Halajian, RF Chloe Evans, SS Jasmine Williams, CF Johneisha Rowe, 3B Sierra Humphreys, LF Samantha Rey, 2B Aubrey Evans, P Sarah Willis

T1 | Auburn 0, UCF 0

KK McCrary grounds out to third for the first out.
Makayla Packer draws a five-pitch walk to put a runner on first for Anna Wohlers with one out.
Wohlers wins an eight-pit at-bat and draws a walk to put two runners on with one out.
Amelia Lech is struck out by Sarah Willis for out No. 2.
Axe Milanowski grounds out to the pitcher, stranding a pair of runs for the Tigers.

General

Expect pea-sized hail with thunderstorms to hit Bullock and Barbour counties Saturday

The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 9:04 p.m. on Saturday for strong thunderstorms until 9:45 p.m. for Bullock and Barbour counties.

Expect pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

“At 9:04 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Franklin Field, or 8 miles west of Union Springs, moving east at 35 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Union Springs, Midway, Pickett, Aberfoil, Franklin Field, Shopton, Beans Crossroads, Sedgefield, High Ridge, Perote, Three Notch, Simsville and Mount Andrew.

The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.

To guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:

1. Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

2. Indoors safety measures:

Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

3. Wait for the all-clear:

After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

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 weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of swollen waterways:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

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 stay cautious:

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 on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.

Visibility matters:

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, 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 of your position.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

General

Nickel-sized hail and damaging winds expected with thunderstorms in Lee and Macon counties Saturday

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 8:48 p.m. valid until 9:15 p.m. for Lee and Macon counties.

The storms are packing nickel-sized hail (0.88 inches) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

“At 8:48 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Auburn, moving east at 30 mph,” states the weather service. “Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Auburn, Opelika, Beauregard, Society Hill, Griffen Mill, Auburn University, Robert G. Pitts Airport, Chewacla State Park and Marvyn.

The weather service states, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”

Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice

To guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:

1. Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

2. Indoors safety measures:

Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

3. Wait for the all-clear:

After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:

Beware of swollen waterways:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

Slow down and drive with care:

If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.

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:

Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

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.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

General

CNN commentator and GOP adviser found dead in Virginia

Alice Stewart, a CNN political commentator and veteran political adviser who worked on several Republican presidential campaigns, has died. She was 58.

Stewart’s body was found outdoors in a northern Virginia neighborhood early Saturday morning, CNN reported. Law enforcement officials told the cable news outlet that no foul play is suspected and believe a medical emergency occurred.

“Alice was a very dear friend and colleague to all of us at CNN,” Mark Thompson, the network’s CEO, said in an email to staff on Saturday. “A political veteran and an Emmy Award-winning journalist who brought an incomparable spark to CNN’s coverage, known across our bureaus not only for her political savvy, but for her unwavering kindness. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn such an extraordinary loss.”

Stewart joined CNN as a political commentator ahead of the 2016 election. She was also a co-host of the “Hot Mics From Left to Right” podcast, alongside fellow CNN commentator Maria Cardona.

Stewart started her career as a local reporter and producer in her home state, Georgia. She moved to Little Rock, Ark., to be a news anchor, and later served as the communications director in then-Arkanas Gov. Mike Huckabee’s office. In 2008, she assumed a similar role for Huckabee’s presidential run.

Stewart went on to serve as the communications director for other political campaigns, including the 2012 presidential bids of former Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann and then former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum. She was also the communications director for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s 2016 campaign.

General

Update: Penny-sized hail expected with thunderstorms in Lee and Russell counties Saturday

The National Weather Service issued an updated report at 9:10 p.m. on Saturday for strong thunderstorms until 9:45 p.m. for Lee and Russell counties.

The storms are packing wind gusts of up to 50 mph and penny-sized hail (0.75 inches).

“At 9:10 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from Griffen Mill to Society Hill. Movement was southeast at 25 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Phenix City, Russell County Sports Complex, Uchee, Seale, Ladonia, Griffen Mill, Hatchechubbe, Ladonia Sports Complex, Marvyn, Phenix Drag Strip, Parkmanville, Monterey Heights and Fort Mitchell.

The weather service comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:

1. Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

2. Indoors safety measures:

Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

3. Wait for the all-clear:

After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads

When heavy rain pours, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads rises. Here’s your guide from the weather service to staying safe during downpours:

Beware of rapid water flow:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Slow down and drive with care:

If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture 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:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.