You certainly have no control over the weather, but when you hit the road, you need to take full control of your car. Rainy weather can hinder visibility, create hazardous roadways with floodwaters, and make the asphalt slippery, posing the danger of losing control.
Whether you live in one of the 10 rainiest states in the U.S. or you plan to drive through one, you should follow the rules of the road to stay safe. Here is a look at the top rainiest states in the country:
1. Hawaii
Most Americans don’t realize that Hawaii holds the title for the most rain in the U.S. Thanks to its tropical climate and location in the Pacific Ocean, it gets steady rainfall throughout the year. The average annual precipitation for Hawaii is 63 inches, though Kauai’s Mount Waialeale gets about 450 inches on average per year, earning it the distinction as the wettest place on the planet.
2. Louisiana
Louisiana comes in at a close second with around 60 inches of rain per year. The climate is subjected to the moisture from the Gulf that rains down on the low-lying lands with heavy showers. Additionally, the geographical lay of the land means it’s a state that often gets flooded, particularly in New Orleans on the coast.
3. Mississippi
With a humid subtropical climate, Mississippi gets about 59 inches of precipitation per year. It is a hotspot for frequent thunderstorms just like its Gulf-residing neighbor, Louisiana, that tend to pop up in the summer. While beneficial for the agricultural sector in the state, it also leaves residents prone to flooding.
4. Alabama
Alabama’s humid subtropical climate causes it to receive an average of 58 inches of rain per year. In the areas closer to the Gulf, the rainfall is higher, especially in summer with tropical systems and thunderstorms.
5. Florida
Most Floridians will tell you to take the state’s nickname, “The Sunshine State,” with a grain of salt. That’s because it receives an annual rainfall of 54 inches. The wet season from June through September is especially prone to rainy days, and some say you can even set your watch to the daily afternoon thunderstorms in the summer. With sea breezes coming from the Atlantic and the Gulf, there’s more wetness in store for residents and tourists alike.
6. Tennessee
One of the most unique things about Tennessee is that its eastern portion gets more precipitation, thanks to the Great Smoky Mountains. Lakes like Choctaw and Caney Fork also get winds picking up the moisture, which in turn bring more rain. As for the western part of Tennessee, the climate is far more moderate, though due to the converging factors, the state receives around 54 inches of rain per year.
7. Arkansas
Arkansas gets frequent rains, totaling around 50 inches per year, mostly in the spring and summer. Between the Ozarks and the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, it makes the area ripe for a variety of rainfall. Thunderstorms commonly occur and put residents in low-lying areas at risk as the potential for flash flood development is high.
8. Georgia
Since it’s so close to both the Atlantic and the Gulf, and it has a humid subtropical climate, Georgia gets a lot of rain. On average, it can experience 50 inches of rainfall statewide. The northern portions of the state get higher rainfall totals, though the southern coastal areas often get quite a lot from tropical systems that blow in during hurricane season.
9. North Carolina
The diverse topography of North Carolina also gives it a high rainfall total each year. Tropical systems also blow through this state, most recently and notably Hurricane Helene, which caused excessive damage through flash flooding.
10. South Carolina
Last but not least, South Carolina gets a significant share of rainfall, primarily during hurricane season. Along the coast in Charleston and Myrtle Beach, residents and their properties are far more vulnerable, especially when heavy rains lead to flooding.
Tips for Driving Safely in the Rain
Whether you live in one of these rainiest states or are planning on driving through, it’s important to know how to stay safe on the roads when it rains. These tips can help you avoid a vehicle accident:
Wait It Out
When the rain is intensely heavy, it may be best to wait a little bit for it to clear up. This is a great tip in a state like Florida that will have driving rains one minute and sunshine the next. However, in other places, it may not always be possible to wait until the weather clears.
Drive More Slowly
The speed limit may say “35” on the sign, but in heavy rains, that speed may be too fast for the conditions. You’ll need to go slower to accommodate hindered visibility plus allow yourself more time to come to a safe and complete stop.
Keep a Safe Distance
Wet conditions can bring up all sorts of sudden hazards, which makes it even more imperative for drivers to keep a safe distance from the car in front. If they stop suddenly, you’ll be able to stop safely and avoid a crash.
Stay Out of Standing Water
Puddles and areas of standing water are incredibly dangerous. You have a greater risk of hydroplaning, which is when your tires lose their grip on the road. If you hydroplane, remain calm and take your foot off the gas, steering the wheel in the direction you want to go. Never turn suddenly or slam on the brakes while hydroplaning, as it can cause you to lose even more control.
In addition to hydroplaning on wet surfaces, if you drive into what looks like a puddle, you may not see how deep this standing water is until you’ve driven into water that is too deep, causing you to get stranded.
Keep Your Vehicle Maintained
You can keep your vehicle safe, rain or shine, by having it maintained. Make sure all lights, your brakes, your windshield wipers, and your tires are all in proper working order, and you’ll be able to handle any weather condition.
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