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General

Miss Manners: I was upstaged at my own wedding by my in-laws in white

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My mother-in-law and sister-in-law wore white gowns to my wedding. Their actions were so obvious that guests commented on it, and the DJ asked for “the real bride to please stand up.”

Why would they do this on my wedding day?

GENTLE READER: A mean-spirited prank gone wrong? Regardless, it does not bode well for your future relationship with them. Or for a shared sense of humor.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at missmanners.com, by email to [email protected], or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

General

Dear Annie: Setting boundaries with my mom

Dear Annie: I find it pretty difficult to talk to my mom about anything lately. Every time I try to talk to her about anything, it turns into an argument. She wants to bring up my past and what I’ve been through with my son’s biological father. She always wants to bring up my past trauma and thinks it’s going to affect me differently somehow. All it does is make me angry and yell at her because she wasn’t there to protect me.

How do I let things go and try to have a better relationship with my mom and not have this affect my relationship with my new husband and son? — Heartbroken Daughter

Dear Heartbroken Daughter: It makes sense that you want to look forward instead of backward when it comes to your relationship and your son. Your mom needs to know what you do and don’t want to talk about — and that if she doesn’t respect your wishes on this, then you won’t be conversing at all. You get to choose what topics are safe when it comes to rebuilding your relationship with her.

Your son needs you to choose the present, not dwell on the past, so it’s OK — even necessary — to explain this to your mom.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].

General

Dense fog advisory active for Coffee and Geneva counties until Friday morning, visibility down to 1/4 mile

A dense fog advisory was released by the National Weather Service on Friday at 2:08 a.m. in effect until 8 a.m. for Coffee and Geneva counties.

The weather service states to prepare for, “Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.”

“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” adds the weather service. “If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”

Navigating fog: Safety tips by the weather service

When a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, it means that widespread dense fog has developed and visibility can plummet to a quarter-mile or less. These conditions pose challenges for travel, so exercise extra caution on the road or consider postponing your trip if possible.

If you must drive in foggy conditions, keep the following safety tips in mind:

Moderate your speed:

Slow down and allocate extra travel time to reach your destination safely.

Visibility priority:

Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which automatically activate your taillights. Utilize fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with them.

Avoid high-beams:

Refrain from using high-beam headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.

Keep your distance:

Maintain a generous following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifting traffic patterns.

Stay in your lane:

Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to staying in the correct lane.

Zero visibility protocol:

In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.

No parking options:

If there is no parking lot or driveway to pull into, pull your vehicle off to the side of the road as far as possible. Once you come to a stop, turn off all lights except your hazard flashing lights, set the emergency brake, and take your foot off of the brake pedal to be sure the tail lights are not illuminated so that other drivers don’t mistakenly run into you.

By adhering to these precautions from the weather service, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

General

Dear Annie: Is it wrong to ask for money for our anniversary trip?

Dear Annie: My wife and I have a milestone anniversary coming up. We plan on renting a large home in the south of France for a month and inviting family and close friends to celebrate with us. Some family members and friends know of our intentions and are excited to join us.

The cost to rent this villa for a month is $25-30,000, not including food. We’ve checked around, and this appears to be the going price and we really like the place.

Would it be in bad taste to ask for donations to help offset the cost of this home? We wouldn’t expect people to pay the going rate for lodging, but anything would be appreciated. Thoughts? — I Hate to Beg

Dear I Hate to Beg: Generally, if you’re the host, it’s expected that you’ll foot the bill for the accommodations, especially since those coming are already taking on travel and other expenses just to celebrate you. If financial help is truly necessary, you might want to pose this less as an anniversary trip and more as a group vacation you and your wife are spearheading.

Be upfront from the jump. Share what villa you’ve landed on with your guests and invite them to join if they can. Something along the lines of, “We’re covering as much as we’re able to. Anything you can contribute is appreciated but not expected,” should do the trick.

Ultimately, if you and your bride are organizing the trip and have your hearts set on this home, you both should be prepared to carry most of the cost.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

General

Philadelphia Eagles GM on drafting Alabama linebacker: ‘A no-brainer’

The Philadelphia Eagles moved up one spot in the first round of the NFL Draft to make sure they got “a player we had tremendous passion about,” general manager Howie Roseman said.

Roseman didn’t expect to be able to acquire Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell with the 31st selection on Thursday night, but that’s what happened after the Eagles moved from 32nd in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, the team that Philadelphia defeated 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9.

“We made a small trade up just to ensure that we could get him,” Roseman said. “There were a lot of trades in the 20s, and so we just wanted to make sure that someone didn’t jump ahead of us. Excited to have him. Really excited to have him. Wasn’t really something we anticipated. Understand some of the other teams may have reasons for taking other players, but for us, this is a really easy pick. Really explosive player. He can play inside. He can be an edge rusher. Just really feel fortunate to bring him home back to Philly.”

Roseman said the Eagles tried to move up more but couldn’t swing a deal until the Chiefs’ slot – the next-to-last pick in the first round.

“This was a top-10 player on our board,” Roseman said. “We do not have any long-term concerns with his health. We look at the draft as a long-term opportunity for our team. We have a lot of confidence this guy is going to be here and play at a really high level for a long time. And so when you’re in a draft and you’re picking at the end of the first round, you have an opportunity to get a top-10 player on your board, a guy who can affect the quarterback, a guy who can affect the passing game, for us, it was a no-brainer. Local kid, great character, so we are really excited to have him.”

Campbell had shoulder surgery in March, a factor that might have come into play as he slid down the draft board in Thursday night’s first round.

“I think we get enough information before the draft that we started to feel like it was a possibility in the last few days,” Roseman said, “and so we had gone through scenarios where he was going to fall. We knew that there was probably a sweet spot that we could try to get up at, and we had done a lot of planning about that. So we understood kind of some of the questions that were going on with him.

“We spent a lot of time with our doctors and our medical staff, ensuring that we were all seeing it the same way. And, again, we have a lot of confidence in our edge rushers on this team, on our inside linebackers on this team. But for us, this, we thought, was one of the best players in the draft.”

Campbell is from Erial, New Jersey, which is about 20 miles across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, and he grew up an Eagles fan.

“I’m coming back home,” Campbell said. “Philly, y’all know what’s up. We got to turn up, we got to get lit, we got to win another freaking Super Bowl next year. It’s on.”

Campbell said he didn’t know if his shoulder injury had frightened off teams.

“It was really just God’s plan,” Campbell said. “I was just walking in his guidance. Me patiently waiting, that was all God’s work. He’s the best of planners always.

“I’m just taking it day-by-day with the shoulder process. Just making sure I’m maximizing every day that I can get better and heal up.”

The Eagles don’t have a specific hole in their defense to plug in Campbell.

“We think he’s a versatile player who can do a lot of different things,” Philadelphia coach Nick Sirianni said. “Obviously, the main thing that you see is the energy that he plays with, the speed that he plays with and relentless effort that he plays with, and that fits on defense.”

Campbell said he hoped to be “a dominant force for the defense.”

“They do a lot of great things with Zack Baun, Nolan Smith,” Campbell said. “Just being able to be versatile, being in coverage, rushing through the A gaps, blitzing and just being that guy that adds value and creates value for themselves and great production for themselves.”

Roseman said Campbell came to Alabama as an edge rusher and left the Crimson Tide after making 117 tackles in 2024, so he already has demonstrated the versatility the Eagles crave.

“He’s got power as an edge rusher,” Roseman said. “He was trained as an edge rusher. And then he’s got the versatility to play off the ball and blitz from depth and play in space, in pass coverage, as an off-ball linebacker. …

“For us, it’s just we always want to improve the front seven, and we view him as a front-seven player who’s got incredible versatility and a skill set to do both those things. And the appeal is that he’s got this rush skill set. And he’s 21 years old. He turned 21 on Feb. 24, so you know, like, he’s got upside to grow and get bigger. And his frame is such that he can put on more weight and more strength. And so, as you can tell, excited about the player.”

Campbell becomes the eighth former Alabama player on Philadelphia’s roster, joining guard Landon Dickerson, quarterback Jalen Hurts, tight end Cameron Latu, cornerback Eli Ricks, wide receiver DeVonta Smith, offensive lineman Tyler Steen and defensive tackle Byron Young.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

General

Today’s daily horoscopes: April 25, 2025

The cosmic aspect with the most action this week is the phenomenon called a “conjunction,” in which two celestial bodies appear very close together in the same sign or degree of the zodiac. The operative word is “appear.” Question: If you believe you are close to a person or subject, or you feel close, does this mean you are close? Even the mere perception of closeness can create change.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). No need to force things along or push in any way. The opportunity that’s meant for you will unfold naturally without excessive effort. Trust the process will flow like water and the path will reveal itself with ease.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Today highlights the value of your integrity, compassion and emotional intelligence. You’ll commit to what you deeply believe in, and it pays you back in multiple ways, including emotionally and financially.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). No one ever stopped a tidal wave by holding up their hand like a traffic cop. The best way to handle a strong force isn’t to fight it but to move with it strategically. You’ll navigate a challenge by adapting, redirecting energy and using the momentum to your advantage.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’re perceptive and quick to learn from others, picking up everything you need — whether or not you’ve experienced it firsthand. This is partly because you lead with optimism, which keeps your perspective open and engaged.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). While those who have been deprived may be forgiven for taking a lot, it’s much more contemptible when those with privilege act out of greed, especially at the expense of others who have less. You’ll stand up for fairness.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Preparation is valuable, but waiting until you feel completely ready can sometimes be a form of procrastination or self-doubt. You already have enough skills, resources and instincts to start. Once in motion, you can adapt and improve. Just go!

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You gladly help others in a personal setting. But when the stakes are different, so should be your strategy. In professional or competitive settings, knowledge is power. Be aware: Someone is withholding a resource, technique or insight to preserve their advantage.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). There’s an added layer of complexity when unexpected or unusual things come your way. Just because it appears in your life doesn’t automatically mean it’s meant for you. Use your intuition and reflection to discern what truly belongs to you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Fishing nets may not weigh much when you first fling them in the water, but once they start catching things, they get heavy. The same is true of safety nets. In time, they can become more of an anchor.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Without productive activity, you feel restless and unfulfilled. You’d rather be occupied and adding to your resources. You love today’s meaningful work, which provides structure, purpose and social connection.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You previously agreed to a contract, arrangement or informal deal that may not have been ideal but seemed like the best option at the time. Now circumstances have shifted, and you have a chance to improve the terms.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Chasing love? Whatever your reasons, and however sound they may seem to you, it will still benefit you to drop them. Pull back and redirect your energy. The love that’s coming to you, you won’t have to chase.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (April 25). You shape fate with your own hands, sculpting this year into a work of art. There’s no hesitation — just bold steps that bring love, fortune and adventure in equal measure. More highlights: You’ll master a skill that makes life richer; travel opens your eyes to a new way of being. You’ll invest in and teach younger generations. Aries and Aquarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 14, 29, 33 and 2.

Holiday Mathis’ debut novel, “How To Fail Epically in Hollywood,” is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.

General

First-round pick Tyler Booker aims to restore America’s Team

Alabama guard Tyler Booker was thrilled to be picked by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday night – and not just because of Hutchins BBQ in Frisco, Texas, where Booker said he ate “some of the best food I’ve ever had in my life” during his visit with the Cowboys.

“The thing that comes to mind is I’m blessed,” Booker said after going to Dallas with the No. 12 pick. “I’m so blessed to be a Cowboy. …

“I’m excited to get to work and bring us back to where we used to be and where we should be – America’s team.”

Booker said his selection by the Cowboys continues his association with the iconic brands of football.

“Just as I aimed to further the winning tradition at Alabama,” Booker said, “that’s the same way I feel about coming to the Dallas Cowboys, especially being on a team and being part of brand that’s so iconic, just as Alabama was. It’s funny, my track record, I’ve been able to be a part of some of the best organizations in the world. I went to IMG Academy, one of the best high schools in the world. I went to Alabama, one of the best football programs in the world. Now I’m at the Dallas Cowboys, another one of the best sports organizations in the world.”

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said Dallas got Booker after quarterback Dak Prescott missed nine games with injuries in 2024.

“It has everything to do with when you make somebody the highest-paid player in the NFL, you’d like to have something in front of him,” Jones said. “That’s kind of cute talk, but it’s really fact talk. We are interested in making sure we have the kind of protection and frankly the ability to move the big guys out. That was a big part of the thinking in my vernacular.”

Booker comes aboard after Zack Martin’s retirement this offseason. The 16th selection in the 2014 draft, Martin spent the past 11 seasons as Dallas’ right guard. He earned nine Pro Bowl invitations and first-team All-Pro recognition seven times.

“Our grades are very similar for what we had for Zack,” said Will McClay, the Cowboys’ vice president of player personnel. “And then some of the character traits, there are a lot of things that are very similar. He’s his own individual, but he’s a grown-ass man like Zack is, so you put someone in there that makes us a stronger, more physical team.”

Cowboys competition Brian Schottenheimer foresees Booker earning the starting spot vacated by Martin’s retirement after the first-round pick played left guard for Alabama.

“We were, No. 1, thrilled about the young man, the power, the strength,” Schottenheimer said. “When you sit down and visit with this guy, he’s an alpha. He knows what he wants, he knows how good he is, he knows how talented he is, and I think you look at what you’ve got with Tyler Smith at left guard, Cooper Beebe (at center) and now you add this guy, the interior of your pocket, the core of your run game, all that stuff inside – we want to move people, we want to own the line of scrimmage and this is the guy that gives us the chance to do that with the pieces that we have in place.”

Jones said with that lineup up the middle, the Cowboys “might be able to Tush Push.”

Jones said the Cowboys listened to trade offers for the No. 12 pick before selecting Booker.

“This guy is such a leadership person,” Jones said, “and a dynamic person in his approach to football as the leader of a team within a team – the offensive line – so that really caused him to get our attention.”

Booker said he was not surprised to be picked by Dallas.

“I got a great vibe from them,” Booker said. “I kind of had a feeling this was going to happen. You never know on draft day, but this was one I was pretty confident about. I’m glad God saw fit to make me a Cowboy.”

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

General

Dense fog advisory for South Alabama for Friday, quarter mile visibility

The National Weather Service issued a dense fog advisory at 11:49 p.m. on Thursday valid for Friday between 2 a.m. and 9 a.m. for Conecuh, Escambia and Covington counties.

The weather service adds to prepare for, “Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.”

“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” states the weather service. “If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”

Navigating fog: Safety tips by the weather service

If a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, it means that widespread dense fog has developed and visibility often drops to just a quarter-mile or less. These conditions can make driving challenging, so exercise extreme caution on the road, and if possible, consider delaying your trip.

If you must venture out in foggy conditions, keep these safety tips from the weather service in mind:

Moderate your speed:

Slow down and allow extra travel time to reach your destination safely.

Visibility priority:

Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which automatically activate your taillights. Utilize fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with them.

Avoid high-beams:

Refrain from using high-beam headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.

Keep a safe distance:

Maintain a significant following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifts in traffic patterns.

Stay in your lane:

Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to remaining in the correct lane.

Zero visibility strategy:

In situations of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a secure location, such as a nearby business’s parking lot, to pull over and come to a stop.

No parking options:

If no designated parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible. Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.

By adhering to these recommendations from the weather service, you can navigate foggy conditions with greater safety, mitigating the risk of accidents and prioritizing your well-being.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

General

Shedeur Sanders on NFL draft first-round snub: ‘Just fuel to the fire’

As happens often during the NFL draft, the first round becomes about who was not taken, rather than who was.

That certainly was the case on Thursday night, as Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders slipped all the way out of the first round and became a national story. There were two quarterbacks taken on Day 1 of the draft — Miami’s Cam Ward No. 1 overall by the Tennessee Titans, and Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart at No. 25 by the New York Giants.

Sanders — son of NFL legend and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders — was not present in Green Bay for the draft, instead watching with friends and family at a draft party at his home in the Dallas area. After the first round was complete, he briefly addressed supporters, looking ahead to Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday.

“We all didn’t expect this, of course,” Sanders said, in a video posted to social media. “But I feel like with God, everything is possible. I don’t feel like this happened for no reason. This is just fuel to the fire. Under no circumstances, we all know this shouldn’t have happened.

“But we understand we’re on to bigger and better things. Tomorrow is the day. We’re going to be happy regardless.”

Sanders wasn’t the only one surprised he wasn’t picked in Round 1. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranted about it all night long.

“I’m amazed right now that he’s still on the board,” Kiper said, after the first 20 picks passed without Sanders being selected.

Many believed Sanders wouldn’t get past Pittsburgh at No. 21, but the Steelers instead chose Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. That made it likely that anyone taking a quarterback would have to trade back into the first round.

The Giants made just such a move, but instead took Dart. Kiper indicated he believed that was a mistake.

“Surprised he went ahead of Shedeur, not shocked, because (Giants coach Brian) Daboll wants more mobility. Dart can beat a team with his legs,” Kiper said. “… Now the concern for me, and the reason I’m a Shedeur guy — in the big spots, did you come up big? And Shedeur did.

“I like Jaxson Dart. I love Shedeur. We’ll see how it works out.”

So where might Sanders wind up once the draft resumes on Friday? Kiper believes it could be New Orleans, which has the eighth pick of the second round, No. 40 overall.

The Saints have a need at quarterback, with Derek Carr’s status uncertain after shoulder surgery. New Orleans used its first-round pick (No. 9 overall) on Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks.

“I still believe, and I’m gonna keep saying it until I’m proven wrong — the New Orleans Saints are the perfect fit,” Kiper said. “… For Shedeur, that dome would help him so much, give him a chance to have the great career that he’s capable of.”

The 2025 NFL draft resumes at 6 p.m. Friday, with television coverage on ESPN, ABC and the NFL Network.

General

Thunderstorms with pea-sized hail in Morgan County Thursday

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Thursday at 11:43 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until Friday at 12:15 a.m. for Morgan County.

Prepare for pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 30 mph.

“At 11:43 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 9 miles east of Falkville, or 12 miles southeast of Hartselle, moving north at 15 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Eva, Florette, Laceys Spring, Somerville, Valhermoso Springs and Morgan City.

The weather service comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Lightning on the horizon: Expert safety measures for thunderstorms

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.

To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Beware of rapid water flow:

In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.

Maintain safe driving distances:

The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Visibility matters:

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.