An updated report was issued from the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 4:28 p.m. for showers until 5:15 p.m. for North Douglas County below 6,000 feet/Denver/West Adams and Arapahoe counties/East Broomfield County, Elbert/central and east Douglas counties above 6,000 feet, Central and East Adams and Arapahoe counties and North and Northeast Elbert County below 6,000 feet/North Lincoln County.

Residents can anticipate wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

“At 4:28 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a line of showers with strong gusty winds out ahead of them extending from over Bennett to over Castle Rock, or extending from 26 miles east of Denver to 23 miles south of Denver, moving southeast at 25 mph,” says the NWS. “Gusty winds could knock down tree branches and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Aurora, southeastern Centennial, northern Castle Rock, Parker, Bennett, Elizabeth, Kiowa, Strasburg, Ponderosa Park, Arapahoe Park, Byers, The Pinery, Franktown and southeastern Castle Pines.

The NWS adds, “Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening weather conditions. Prepare for sudden gusty winds. Secure loose objects and move to a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”

Heavy rain safety: What you need to know

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.

Source: The National Weather Service