Heavy Rain, Winds Cause Road Hazards

Streets have turned into rivers, and high waves slash through beachside waters as a Pacific storm system is expected to dump more rain on Southern California on Tuesday night and Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Since the stormy conditions hit town Friday, about 5.6 inches of rain have fallen in the Beach Cities as of Tuesday at 3 p.m. (see accompanying map).

This recorded amount is more than a third of the average yearly precipitation recorded at Los Angeles International Airport.

With all this wet weather, the Auto Club of Southern California has reported a record number of calls for roadside assistance.

More than 25,000 drivers in the area received help in the storm Monday—a nearly 14 percent increase over the previous highest day of calls, which was Oct. 9, 2008, when Southern California was suffering through a heat wave.

"Monday was our highest volume day," Auto Club spokesperson Jeffrey Spring said in a statement Tuesday. "The rest of the week is shaping up to be a very wet time on the roads."

"Heavy rain showers… dangerous thunderstorms… the possibility of flash flooding and damaging winds will continue into early Wednesday afternoon before diminishing," reported a National Weather Service advisory Tuesday.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a but warned of dangerous weather conditions until Thursday at 2 p.m., specifically cautioning beach area residents about  during storms.

Spring recommended that drivers avoid the roads as storms pass through the area, but for those who must travel, here are some tips to avoid crashes:

• Drive slowly, even if you're in a hurry. Be particularly cautious driving through puddles and flooded areas. Driving at slower speeds also helps drivers be prepared for sudden stops due to debris and other hazards associated with wet-weather driving.
• Allow extra following distance between you and nearby cars. Sudden braking often leads to skids. And if your car skids and control is lost, do not slam on the brakes. Instead apply the brakes with a steady, light but firm pressure. Remember to steer in the direction the car is sliding.
• When driving in heavy rain, use center lanes of the road to avoid curbside puddles of water.
• Avoid distractions as much as possible, such as eating and cell phone use. Texting while driving can result in citation.
• Use headlights when driving in the rain, and a defroster to keep the inside of the windshield clear of moisture.
• Use this time to check the condition of windshield wiper blades. Streaks or skipping on a vehicle's windshield are signs of worn blades.