The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 6:11 p.m. Sunday that is in effect until 1 a.m. Monday for Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston counties.
When lightning threatens: Safety tips from experts during thunderstorms
Lightning strikes occur about 25 million times each year in the United States, with most of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, about 20 people are killed by lightning strikes each year, according to the Weather Service. The danger from lightning strikes increases as thunderstorms approach, reaching its peak when the storm is directly overhead and gradually diminishing as it moves away.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, follow these recommendations:
Lightning protection plan:
- If you are outdoors, it is important to have a lightning protection plan.
- Stay alert by watching the skies for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it is a clear sign of lightning nearby.
- Find a safe shelter, preferably indoors.
Indoor safety measures:
- If you have found shelter in a building, refrain from using corded telephones, electrical appliances or plumbing and do not approach windows and doors.
- These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive paths.
Wait for the all-clear:
- Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or clap of thunder before resuming outdoor activities.
- Even when a thunderstorm appears to be over, lightning can still strike, so be careful.
If no shelter is available in the house:
If you are outdoors during a thunderstorm and do not have access to shelter, take the following steps to maximize your safety:
- Avoid open fields, hilltops or mountain ridges where the risk of lightning strikes is greater.
- Stay away from tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
- If you are traveling in a group, make sure that everyone keeps a sufficient distance from each other to prevent the lightning current from being transmitted between people.
- Camping outdoors during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no other options, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying area. It is important to note that a tent does not provide protection from lightning strikes.
- Do not approach bodies of water, wet objects, or metal objects. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they are good conductors of electricity and can pose significant risks.
In summary, vigilance and preparation are your best allies when you are at risk of being struck by lightning. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning accidents and put your safety first.
Driving on wet roads: Safety tips for wet weather
When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and dangerous driving conditions increases. Whether it’s persistent rain or rapid runoff, it’s important to be prepared. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to help you stay safe during heavy rain:
Be careful in case of flooding:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches where fast-flowing water can pose a serious hazard.
Keep the safety distance:
In heavy rain, the two-second following rule is helpful. Increase it to four seconds to ensure a safe following distance in adverse conditions.
Reduce speed and drive carefully:
On wet roads, it is important to reduce speed. Slowly ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane carefully:
On multi-lane roads, stay in the middle lane to minimize the risk of aquaplaning, as water tends to collect in the outer lanes.
Prioritize visibility
In heavy rain, turn on your headlights to improve your visibility. Watch for vehicles in your blind spot as rain-smeared windows can obscure their view.
Be careful of slippery roads:
During the first half hour of rain, the roads are most slippery due to a mixture of rain, dirt and oil. Be especially careful during this time.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Do not drive too close behind large trucks or buses. The spray created by their large tires will limit your visibility. Also be careful when overtaking; if you must overtake, do so quickly and safely.
Pay attention to your windshield wipers:
Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that you can no longer see the edge of the road or other vehicles at a safe distance, it is time to stop and wait for the rain to subside. It is best to stop at rest areas or other sheltered areas.
If the side of the road is your only option, pull over as far as possible, preferably to the end of a guardrail, and wait for the storm to pass. Keep your headlights on and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to your position.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risks and ensure your well-being during heavy rain. Stay informed about weather conditions and follow the advice of local authorities to ensure your trip is safe and unharmed.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots that uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
