Finally a Rainy Day

Finally! We have a rainy day in the forecast for today. A front lifting into Southern New England will bring in rain that may be heavy at times. As beneficial as the rain is, it presents a couple of concerns. We have so many leaves on the ground that clogged drains on the side of the roads may cause the water to back up into the roads, causing localized flooding. Hydroplaning is also a concern. As explained by CED Technologies: “A component of asphalt roadways is bitumen. Asphalt bitumen is a tar-like, viscous substance that hardens when cool, comprised of non-toxic hydrocarbons and organic material. It is used in roofing shingles, flashing, and sealants used in construction, as well as the in the roads we travel. As hot, dry days pass, this bitumen, mixed with oil and grease from our cars and tires, bleeds through to the surface and forms a residue that coats the side streets and highways. On the first rainy day, this accumulated coating on the road mixes with the water and becomes dangerously slick, reducing texture depth and wet skidding resistance. For the first 10-20 minutes of rainfall, this oil mixture floats on top of the water, creating an environment where tires have less traction, potentially causing accidents and hydroplaning.” Here are some tips to stay safe when hydroplaning is possible.

• Slow down when the roads are wet – it is more difficult for water to disperse under tires when you’re driving fast
• Leave double the distance between you and the car in front of you
• Be mindful of the slope of the roadway and stay at the high point
  • Neighborhood roads are typically crowned allowing storm water to fall from the center to each side
  • Turnpikes, parkways, and interstates usually have a linear cross section – water flows from inside lane to outside shoulder or outside shoulder to interior median.
• Maintain slower speeds especially while turning or changing lanes
• When it’s raining, always turn on your lights so other vehicles can see you
• Keep your tires properly inflated
• Rotate and replace tires as necessary

Take it slow out there on the roadways today.

Weather-wise, look for clouds, rain, and a gusty breeze for your Thursday forecast. High temperatures will struggle to reach 50. Rain continues until about midnight then we catch a break. Friday morning will be dry and chilly with lows in the mid-30s and highs near 50. Expect a mix of sun and clouds and rain to develop in the afternoon, continuing through Friday night and tapering to showers on Saturday morning. Saturday will have late day clearing and a high in the upper-40s. Sunshine returns for Sunday and Monday with highs near 50. We have a 30% chance of showers come Tuesday.