The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for the Morongo Basin through this evening (July 26). Motorists are advised of slick road conditions. substances such as oil and other vehicle fluids can build up on roadways over time. When mixed with rain water, these substances create a slick layer on the road that becomes slippery and can cause vehicles to hydroplane, sliding on the roadway without control of the vehicle. To avoid hydroplaning, make sure your tires have appropriate tread and air pressure and test your windshield wipers. While driving, reduce your speed, leave space between vehicles, turn on your headlights, never use cruise control, and avoid sudden acceleration and braking. Reporter Sara Snyder offers the following tips to stay safe if the Morongo Basin does experience flash floods…
In a flood situation, don’t enter the water. In fact, stay at least 10 feet away from the water’s edge. Don’t drive if you don’t have to, and don’t play or swim in a flood channel, and don’t try to walk or drive through a flooded road. The depth and speed of flood water is not always obvious, and you can’t tell what’s happened to the road surface under the water. Six inches of swiftly flowing water can knock you off your feet, and two feet of floodwater can carry away most vehicles, including pickup trucks and SUVs. Listen to Z107.7 for current conditions.
