Pouring rain, flood warning and skidding/hydroplaning

Good morning Augusta.

We're under a flood watch, its pouring out there,  drive careful.

This morning it is overcast with a chance of a thunderstorm and rain showers. High of 72F. Winds from the North at 5 to 10 mph shifting to the ESE in the afternoon. Chance of rain 100% with rainfall amounts near 0.7 in. possible.

Tonight it will be overcast with a chance of rain. Fog overnight. Low of 64F. Winds less than 5 mph. Chance of rain 70% with rainfall amounts near 0.3 in. possible.

The readings from my own instruments are:

The humidity is 93% with a Dew Point of 61.8ºF and a wind chill of 63.7ºF.

The temperature Is 63.7ºF.

We have South winds between 5.0 mph and 11.0 mph.

Our Barometric pressure is 29.80 HPA 1009.1 and rising with a weather graphic indicating clouds.  

The UV rating is 0 out of 16, sunset will be at 7:13 PM with Moon Rise at 3:12 a.m. and the moon phase is waning crescent.

For the pilots out there, Raw Metar readings are:

SPECI KAUG 021108Z AUTO VRB05KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR OVC004 17/17 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE P0028

Visibility is 1.2 miles/2.0 kilometers with overcast down to 400 ft / 121 m.

We've had 1.56 inches of rain here in the past 24 hours Much of that early this morning and its still pouring as I write this. It isn't over by a long shot.

With all of this recent rain, Skidding and hydroplaning is a real risk.

Losing control of your car on wet pavement is a frightening experience. Skids are scary but hydroplaning is completely nerve-wracking.

Hydroplaning happens when the water in front of your tires builds up faster than your car's weight can push it out of the way. The water pressure causes your car to rise up and slide on a thin layer of water between your tires.

Taking these simple tips into account can save your life.

1.You can prevent skids by driving slowly and carefully, especially on curves. Steer and brake with a light touch. When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard or lock the wheels and risk a skid. Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal.

 

2.If you do find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. You must be prepared to turn the steering wheel again and again until the front of the vehicle is traveling in a straight line. For cars without anti-lock brakes, avoid using your brakes. If your car has ABS, brake firmly as you steer into the skid.

 

3.Avoid hydroplaning by keeping your tires inflated correctly. Maintain good tire tread. Don't put off replacing worn tires. Slow down when roads are wet, and stay away from puddles. Try to drive in the tire tracks left by the cars in front of you.

4.If you find yourself hydroplaning, do not brake or turn suddenly. This could throw your car into a skid. Ease your foot off the gas until the car slows and you can feel the road again. If you need to brake, do it gently with light pumping actions. If your car has anti-lock brakes, then brake normally. The car's computer will automatically pump the brakes much more effectively than a person can do.

5.A defensive driver adjusts his or her speed to the wet road conditions in time to avoid having to use any of these measures.

 

The foregoing was Copied and pasted in whole from Weather.com which was also Reprinted with permission from the National Safety Council.