STATE POLICE URGE CAUTION DURING HEAVY RAIN

(PIKESVILLE, MD) — Maryland State Police are joining their partners at the State Highway Administration and Maryland Emergency Management Agency in urging motorists to use caution as they travel during the ongoing heavy rain, especially during the rush hours tonight and tomorrow morning.

Drivers are reminded that the ongoing heavy rain is contributing to water laying on roadway surfaces and to flooding in low-laying areas.  Hydroplaning is a real possibility, especially during heavy rain.  The faster someone is driving and the more water there is on the roadway surface, the greater the potential for hydroplaning.

Hydroplaning occurs when one or more tires on a vehicle lose contact with the roadway surface due to the amount of water between the tire and road.  This causes decreased ability to control the vehicle and can result in a driver losing complete control.  Drivers should reduce speeds and increase following distances.

Drivers are also reminded not to enter areas where flooding has occurred across a roadway.  Crossing waters of unknown depth can result in a vehicle stalling out and the occupants becoming stranded, sometimes causing a rescue operation for police and fire personnel.  Flood waters can also be swift-moving, adding to the degree of difficulty and danger for motorists and rescue workers.

Drivers should also be on the alert for unexpected hazards such as trees or limbs that have fallen into or across the roadway.  The continuing rain on already saturated ground is expected to cause additional downed trees throughout the area.