First Rain, Hidden Danger: Mercury Insurance Warns Drivers About Slippery Roads as El Niño Strengthens

Experts explain why the first storms after a long dry spell can create hazardous driving conditions and how to prepare for a potentially wetter winter

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The first rain of the season can bring welcome relief after months of dry weather, but it can also create unexpectedly dangerous driving conditions. Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY) is encouraging motorists to prepare for slick roads, reduced visibility and longer stopping distances as seasonal rainfall returns and a strengthening El Niño raises concerns about potentially wetter conditions in parts of the country.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that El Niño continues to strengthen, with a greater than 83% chance of strong-to-very-strong conditions persisting through January to March 2027. Although El Niño does not guarantee above-average rainfall in every region, the developing weather pattern provides an important reminder for drivers to prepare for changing road conditions.

"El Niño can influence the frequency and intensity of storms in certain regions, but its effects vary considerably depending on location," said Steve Bennett, Senior Director of Climate Science and Catastrophe Modeling at Mercury Insurance. "Drivers shouldn't wait for a major storm to start thinking about wet-weather safety. The first rainfall after an extended dry period can introduce hazards even when precipitation is relatively light."

Why the First Rain Can Be Especially Dangerous

During extended dry periods, oil, grease, tire residue and other contaminants accumulate on road surfaces. When rain begins, these substances can mix with water and temporarily reduce traction, particularly at intersections, curves and heavily traveled roadways.

The first rainfall can also expose maintenance issues that drivers may have overlooked during months of dry weather, including worn tires, aging windshield wipers and improperly functioning headlights.

"Drivers often underestimate how quickly road conditions can change when the first rain arrives," said Justin Yoshizawa, Director of Product Management at Mercury Insurance. "A road that felt perfectly safe yesterday may offer significantly less traction today. Slowing down, increasing following distances and avoiding sudden braking can make a meaningful difference in preventing an accident."

Five Ways to Prepare for the First Rain

1. Reduce speed before roads become visibly wet. Light rainfall can be enough to make accumulated roadway residue slippery. Drivers should adjust their speed as soon as precipitation begins rather than waiting for heavy rain.

2. Increase following distances. Wet pavement can extend stopping distances, making additional space between vehicles especially important. Drivers should avoid sudden braking and leave more room to react to changing traffic conditions.

3. Check tires before the storm. Proper tire inflation and adequate tread depth are essential for maintaining traction. Worn tires can increase the risk of hydroplaning when water accumulates on the roadway.

4. Make visibility a priority. Replace worn windshield wipers, clean exterior lights and windows, and turn on headlights when required. Rain and roadway spray can make vehicles and pedestrians harder to see.

5. Avoid standing water and flooded roads. Drivers should never assume a puddle is shallow enough to cross safely. Standing water can conceal roadway damage, increase hydroplaning risks or leave a vehicle stranded.

Preparing for an El Niño Winter

While the first rain presents immediate hazards, a potentially wetter winter introduces additional concerns, including localized flooding, reduced visibility, debris on roadways and changing driving conditions during successive storms.

"El Niño is not a forecast for any individual storm, but it changes the likelihood of certain seasonal weather patterns," Bennett said. "Understanding those possibilities gives drivers an opportunity to prepare before hazardous conditions develop."

Yoshizawa emphasized that preparation should extend beyond vehicle maintenance.

"Taking a few extra minutes to check weather conditions, allowing more time to reach your destination and knowing when it's safer to postpone a trip are simple steps that can help drivers avoid unnecessary risks," Yoshizawa said.

Mercury encourages motorists to review their auto insurance coverage before the rainy season, including whether their policy provides comprehensive coverage, which generally helps protect against certain non-collision losses, such as flooding, subject to policy terms, conditions and deductibles.

For information about El Niño and more safe driving tips, visit the Mercury Insurance Resource Center.

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.

Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through more than 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340 independent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an "A" rating from A.M. Best, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

Media interested in receiving updates from Mercury can learn more at the Mercury Newsroom.

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SOURCE Mercury Insurance