Pasadena Police Urge Drivers to Exercise Caution During Weekend Rains

Pasadena police urge drivers to exercise utmost care driving during the winter storm this weekend, as reports of precipitation amounts have slightly increased, causing roads to be even more slippery due to the rains.

“Please remind drivers to slow down while driving in the rain, the roads will be extremely slick.  Refrain from using their cell phones.  Distracted drivers account for a large percentage of collisions,” Lieutenant Phlunté Riddle of the Pasadena Police Department wrote in an email to Pasadena Now on Friday.

The California Highway Patrol has also provided tips for driving in wet and winter weather.

“Driving in inclement weather can pose numerous safety challenges,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Many crashes are caused by people driving too fast in the rain.”

Motorists are advised by the CHP to practice the following driving safety tips:

• Check to see that the windshield wipers are in good condition. Also, be sure the vehicle’s headlights are on anytime you have your windshield wipers on continuously, it’s the law.

• Reduce your speed and allow more time for your journey. The maximum posted speed limit may not apply to the wet or icy road conditions.

• If you encounter fog, again, slow down. Drive with your lights on low beam. Don’t stop on a highway, unless it’s an emergency. And keep a close watch on your speed.

• When traveling it’s recommended you carry the following items: Tire chains and tighteners, flashlight and batteries, flares, small shovel, windshield scraper, waterproof clothing that’s warm, blankets, snacks and drinking water. A cellular telephone with a backup power source might be the single most important safety item available.

The latest weather updates indicate a slight increase in precipitation levels. Snow levels of 5,000 to 6,000 feet are expected from Friday night to Saturday, then lower to 2,500 feet from late Saturday night on until Sunday.

Moderate to heavy rainfall with isolated thunderstorms are expected for about four to six hours along and near the front on Saturday, then brief heavy rain is possible in post-frontal showers Saturday night and Sunday.

Heaviest precipitation will occur on Saturday, eventually turning showery late Saturday through Sunday. Showers may contain small hail or ice pellets which raise concern for motorists as coastal and valley area highways will be slicker.

Rainfall estimates range between .75 and 1.5 inches, with the foothills and mountains expecting rainfall levels between 1.50 to 3 inches.

Snowfall totals are estimated to range from 10-16 inches above 6000 feet with locally higher amounts possible, up to 6 inches near 5,000 feet, and 1-3 inches down to 3,000 feet.

Snow levels will likely affect travel conditions, particularly along Interstate 5 over Tejon Pass/Grapevine, Highway 14 over Soledad Pass and Highway 138 in the Antelope Valley, and Highway 33 in the Ventura County Mountains.

Sunday temperatures are expected to be 15 to 20 degrees below normal, with Saturday and Sunday nights with potentially freezing temperatures. Black ice on freeways as well as crop damage may occur.

Wind speeds of 20-30 mph with gusts of 40 to 50 mph in the mountains and desert Saturday, with gusty west winds of 30-40 mph expected along coastal and valley areas on Sunday.