An updated report was issued from the National Weather Service on Sunday at 8:31 p.m. for showers until 9 p.m. for Teller County/Rampart Range above 7,500 ft/Pike’s Peak between 7,500 and 11,000 ft, Northern El Paso County/Monument Ridge/Rampart Range below 7,500 ft, Colorado Springs Vicinity/Southern El Paso County/Rampart Range below 7,400 ft and Pueblo Vicinity/Pueblo County below 6,300 feet as well as Crowley County.

Residents should prepare for wind gusts of up to 55 mph.

“At 8:30 p.m., Doppler radar tracked decaying thundershowers that are producing strong winds along a line extending from Colorado Springs to near Hanover to 7 miles northwest of Pueblo Depot. Movement was east at 40 mph,” states the NWS. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Colorado Springs, Fountain, Hanover, Truckton, Ellicott, Security, Falcon, Security-Widefield, Stratmoor, Fort Carson, Schriever Space Force Base, Cimarron Hills and Peterson Space Force Base.

According to the NWS, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Rainy day rules: How to stay safe in heavy precipitation

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

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