Intense rainfall and powerful winds are affecting California's coastal regions this week, putting motorists in the Central Valley on heightened alert.
Driver Experiences Storm Conditions
"Mother nature? We can't fight mother nature," stated truck operator Brandon Simmons.
Footage captured on Tuesday evening revealed strong gusts shaking a traffic monitoring device near Highway 99 and Union Avenue, providing initial evidence of the storm's force.
These wind bursts pose particular danger for operators of tall vehicles, such as truck driver Brandon Simmons.
"It's very uncomfortable especially when you go around turns," he remarked. "In your mirrors you can see your box moving one way or the other."
Simmons intended to pause in Kettleman City before proceeding toward San Francisco, preparing for the storm's strongest impact.
Official Safety Guidance
California Highway Patrol Officer Anthony Daulton cautioned that wind dangers frequently escape notice.
"Even if you compensate slightly for the wind that you're driving through, it's those gusts that can catch you off guard and send your vehicle on a trajectory you weren't ready for," Daulton explained.
Substantial portions of the state also confront sudden flooding threats. Heavy precipitation is anticipated to reduce visibility on roadways already congested with holiday travelers. Daulton recommended drivers keep a "high visual horizon."
"Which basically means look out as far down the roadway as far as you possibly can, to avoid any potential hazards that might present themselves to you," he clarified. "Drive beyond your headlights, not inside your headlights."
Authorities additionally advise motorists to steer clear of inundated zones that might hide dangers. Most importantly, maintaining patience proves essential, Simmons noted.
"Space is the key to everything," he emphasized. "If we would just give everybody space, all of the accidents will go away."
The CHP recommends that travelers inform friends or family not only of their destinations but also their planned routes, ensuring that if difficulties arise, responders know precisely where to search.
