Much needed rain hits the Valley with it bringing hope and problems for residents

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Steady rain and slick roads in Old Town Clovis meant pulling out an umbrella and driving safely Tuesday night.

The roads were wet when a big rig jackknifed on Highway 99 north of Downtown Fresno, blocking two lanes of traffic and slowing it in the other direction.

Earlier in the evening, drivers headed home had to pump the breaks often, especially when large puddles stood in the way. But a downpour didn't stop Cris Norman from taking to the pavement. He's training for his first marathon--in Modesto this spring. "(I'm) not fighting any traffic or any runners or any bikes or anything like that," Norman said. "Probably gained an extra 15 pounds of water today."

There was also hardly anyone at Millerton Lake-- the thirsty reservoir received some small showers in the afternoon. "Snow is what we want because snow is a giant reservoir in it of itself," said U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Deputy Area Manager Duane Stroup.

But Stroup says any precipitation above the Friant Dam is appreciated. Millerton Lake is at less than 35-percent capacity and Stroup says since October, precipitation in the San Joaquin basin has been average, and about equal to last year. "But this storm and these series of storms that are occurring this week, we have a lot of hope that it will bring us up above normal and even bring us up above what occurred last year," Stroup said.

In rainy weather, the CHP recommends giving extra distance between you and the car ahead of you. They also say when you brake, do so gently, to avoid any skidding.