An updated weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 6:52 p.m. for showers until 7:30 p.m. for Central and South Weld County.

“At 6:52 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a line of showers extending from 12 miles north of Riverside Reservoir to over Gilcrest, or extending from 28 miles northwest of Fort Morgan to 10 miles southwest of Greeley, moving southeast at 20 mph,” states the NWS. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Greeley, Evans, Milliken, LaSalle, Kersey, Gilcrest, Milton Reservoir, Gill, Barnesville, Garden City, Lower Latham Reservoir, Hardin and Peckham.

The NWS comments, “Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening weather conditions. If on a lake, get out of the water and secure loose items. Boaters can expect strong gusty winds and locally higher waves. Boaters should seek safe harbor immediately.”

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 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