An updated weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Monday at 2:43 p.m. for gusty showers until 3:30 p.m. for Central Colorado.

Residents can be ready for wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

“At 2:43 p.m., Doppler radar tracked gusty showers and southern Spring Burn Scar north of Highway 160. and storms along a line extending from near Del Norte to 15 miles southwest of Monte Vista to 18 miles west of Capulin. Movement was east at 20 mph,” explains the NWS. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Monte Vista, Center, Del Norte and Capulin.

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

The full list of affected locations includes:

• Saguache County East of Continental Divide below 10,000 ft

• Upper Rio Grande Valley/Eastern San Juan Mountains below 10,000 ft

• Eastern San Juan Mountains above 10,000 ft

• Del Norte Vicinity/Northern San Luis Valley below 8,500 ft

• Alamosa Vicinity/Central San Luis Valley below 8,500 ft

• Southern San Luis Valley

Navigating heavy rain: Safety tips for wet roads

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

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.

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