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Heavy rain and torrential downpours: safety and property protection

Torrential rainfall and continuous downpours can reduce driving visibility to near zero, cause vehicle hydroplaning, saturate soil around buildings, and overload roof drainage systems even without full-scale flooding.

Do this now

  1. Slow down immediately while driving in heavy rain and double your stopping distance behind other vehicles.
  2. Turn on low-beam headlights and windshield wipers to remain visible to other drivers.
  3. Turn off cruise control on wet roads to prevent sudden traction loss.
  4. Clear leaves, ice, or debris away from home gutters, downspouts, and storm drains outside your property.
  5. Move outdoor electronics, furniture, and valuables off basement floors or ground surfaces where rainpools form.

Driving in severe downpours

Torrential rain creates severe road hazards and reduces tire grip.

  • Hydroplaning response: If your car begins to hydroplane (skate across water without steering control), ease off the accelerator gently. Hold the steering wheel straight. Do not slam on the brakes or jerk the wheel.
  • Avoid standing water: Never drive through deep puddles or flooded dips in the road. As little as 15 cm (6 inches) of water can cause vehicle loss of control or stall the engine.
  • Pull over safely: If rain becomes so dense that wipers cannot keep up, pull safely off the roadway, park with hazard lights on, and wait for the deluge to pass.

Protecting your home from heavy rain

Continuous downpours test roof drainage, foundation sealing, and windows:

  • Extend downspouts: Ensure downspout extensions channel water at least 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6 feet) away from foundation walls.
  • Check sump pumps: Test basement sump pumps by pouring water into the basin before heavy rain systems arrive. Keep a battery backup or generator ready.
  • Inspect window wells: Clear debris from window well drains and ensure window seals are intact.
  • Roof leak mitigation: If water drips from ceiling fixtures, place buckets underneath and poke a small hole in sagging drywall to release pooled water safely and prevent widespread ceiling collapse.

Soil saturation and mud hazards

Prolonged rains saturate ground soil, increasing risks of tree falls and localized mud movement:

  • Watch leaning trees: Stay clear of large, shallow-rooted trees in saturated soils during high winds.
  • Monitor retaining walls: Inspect outdoor retaining walls for bowing or mud overflow.