BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — What poured down in the Grapevine and high mountain areas Monday morning has, and will, continue to spread across Kern County for days.

Winds will die down into the night, but rain and high elevation snow will only continue.

{Sgt. Caleb Kiser, California Highway Patrol}

“The biggest overall takeaway I would say is just, reduce those speeds. The posted speed limit is not always the safest speed limit given the conditions,” said Sgt. Caleb Kiser, a California Highway Patrol Traffic Officer.

In the inclement weather, other important reminders include:

Don’t drive aggressively

Leave early for destination

Make sure tires, windshield wipers and headlights are working.

With heavy rain expected, Kern County Public Works has set-up sandbag stations across the county in order to help minimize possible flooding. Stations range from Tehachapi to Wofford Heights. Check out sand locations to see which one is closest to you.

With drainage issues in some parts of the county, flooded areas create additional problems.

“When you are encountering these areas of standing water, don’t drive through them. Always turn around or avoid those areas, it can take very little for a car to hydroplane,” said Sgt. Kiser.

Another consequence of the heavy weather conditions are power outages, not only at your house or work, but at stoplights.

“Just make sure that if we are coming up to an intersection that is experiencing a power outage, that you treat it like a four way stop,” said Sgt. Caleb Kiser.

Something else to keep an eye on is ice buildup on county roads in the mountains and even on the grapevine.

California Highway Patrol, along with Caltrans, are monitoring the snowing conditions and are ready to take measures to ensure public safety.

The takeaway during any harsh weather, remains consistent.

“Reduce those speeds, making sure we’re giving ourselves enough time to arrive at our destination and that our vehicle is in safe working order,” said Sgt. Kiser.

To stay up to date on the latest weather forecasts be sure to visit https://www.kget.com/weather/.

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