So yesterday it was raining like crazy. When I left in work I realized the power windows weren't working, speedometer, tachometer, temp gauge all were at zero. And best of all the car would not go into overdrive.

Just when I was a couple of block from my home, the wipers starting going really slow and the lights became dim. I just made it to the autoshop and the car died.

He charged the battery overnight (no way I wasn't going to mess with any electrical myself since I don't have a garage) but the alternator was fine. However he found a bunch of blown fuses including the alternator fuse. Replacing them and the car is now going fine.

So the question is why? Could splashing from the rain create that much damage? Is the alternator slowly dying? Any suggestions.?

I don;t want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere if this happens again, can't be this lucky twice.

I am no car expert but, similar events happened to my 1989 Camry. Driving home to GA from MD over Thanksgiving few years back. It was drizzling, cold Nov weekend. The first 50 miles are eventless, then the wiper get slower and slower and then the car just stop. I was able to pull it next to the hwy and use my emergency rechargeable battery to get me to the next exit. Luckily, I was able to find an AutoZone, where my five month old Autozone alternator was bought and replaced. It has a lifetime warranty, so they lent me some tools and helped me changed into another new alternator. So, my advice is that go ahead check the alternator or battery out. Tell them what happened at the place where you bought it. If its new and came with the car, seriously consider getting a new one. My first alternator died on me when I was on a six lane hwy and luckily able to pull to the side without getting hit from behind by other cars. Also, buy and keep it in your trunk a rechargeable emergency battery pack, $40 from Walmart. It can be a life saver. Like i said, I am no expert, but I can relate your concerns. I hope this helps.