Rain Expected to Soak the Area

Just when the Inland Empire had begun to get used to more spring-like weather, the rain clouds come floating in.

National Weather Service officials at the San Diego office are predicting between a quarter of an inch to three quarters of an inch will soak the area.

There is a 50 percent chance of rain light patchy rain in Loma Linda and the surrounding area before 4 p.m. today. Temperatures of 54 degrees were expected during the day.

But by nightfall, the temperatures will dip to 41 degrees and the chances of rain will increase to 90 percent.

Snow levels, which weather officials said are between 6,000 to 7,000 feet, will likely drop to near 4,000 feet on Wednesday night.

The weather is due to a cold front that is moving in, weather officials sid. It was expected to taper off by late Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

But another round of rain is expected to develop on Friday and continue into Saturday.

“This slower moving system could bring significant widespread rain and mountain snow Friday night and Saturday with scattered showers into Sunday,” according to a weather service official.

With the storms moving in, the Automobile Club of Southern California reminds motorists to be careful on the roads. They offer the following tips:

Slow down. Drive slowly, particularly through puddles. Driving at slower speeds also helps drivers be prepared for sudden stops.

Keep your distance/avoid skids. A car needs two to three times more stopping distance on wet pavement. Leaving a buffer helps avoid sudden stops which often causes skidding. If the car skids, do not slam on the brakes. Instead apply the brakes with steady, light but firm pressure. Steer in the direction the car is sliding. When traction is regained, steering control will return. Drivers of cars with anti-lock brakes should apply heavy, steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes.

Use the center lanes. When driving during heavy rain, use center lanes of the road. Water sometimes collects on outside near curbs.

Avoid distractions. Avoid eating, drinking, cell phone use, texting, tuning the radio, fumbling with CDs or applying makeup while driving, especially in the rain.

Stay informed. Tune into radio and television weather reports so you to know where traffic congestion or crashes might be.

Watch for potholes. If you must swerve to avoid a pothole, be sure to check surrounding traffic to determine if it’s safe. If you’re traveling slow enough, you should have time.

Maintain a safe speed. If a pothole cannot be avoided, slow down, if possible. Hitting a pothole at high-speed can cause damage to tires, wheels, shocks, struts, springs or suspension. High speed also increases the chance of losing control. When driving over more than one pothole, reduce speed and hold the steering wheel firmly.

Don’t brake directly over a pothole. Applying brakes causes the car’s weight to shift to the front and can increase damage from the impact.

Beware of standing water. It could be concealing a deep pothole. 

Car maintenance needs increase during wet weather. Triple A suggests the following:

Check tires. Make sure tires are in good condition and are at recommended inflation. Driving on tires that are over-inflated or under-inflated is dangerous on wet pavement.

Check windshield wiper blades. Streaks or skipping on the windshield are signs of worn wiper blades. Inspect wipers monthly and check washer solvent reservoir to ensure it’s full.

Check brakes periodically. After driving through puddles, check that brakes are OK by tapping them gently for a few times.

Use headlights and windshield defroster. Driving in rain means reduced visibility. The Auto Club reminds motorists to turn on the vehicle's headlights in accordance to state law. Turning on the defroster helps keep the inside of the windshield clear of moisture.