The National Weather Service issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning for Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Madison and Onondaga counties at 2:55 p.m. Tuesday and is in effect until 3:45 p.m.
The storm is expected to bring wind gusts up to 60 mph and penny-sized hail (0.75 inches).
According to the weather service, “Severe thunderstorms developed along a line from the New York State Fairgrounds to Munsons Point at 2:55 p.m., moving eastward at 40 mph.” “Roofs, walls, and walls are expected. Both boards and trees will be damaged.”
Areas affected by the warning include Onondaga, Syracuse, DeWitt, Sullivan, Oneida, Lenox, Pompeo, Solvay, Chittenango and Canastota.
The weather service said, “Stay alert for possible tornadoes! Tornadoes can develop quickly after severe thunderstorms. If you see a tornado, immediately go into a basement or a small central room with a sturdy structure. For your protection, move indoors. The lowest floor of a room building.
When Lightning Strikes: Expert Safety Tips for Thunderstorm Weather
The United States experiences approximately 25 million lightning strikes each year, with most of these discharges occurring during the summer. Sadly, lightning kills about 20 people every year, according to weather department reports. The risk of lightning-related events increases as a thunderstorm approaches, peaking when a thunderstorm is directly overhead. However, as the storm moved away, it gradually receded.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following tips:
Lightning Safety Plan:
- When venturing outdoors, having a lightning protection plan is crucial.
- Stay alert by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for thunder. If you hear thunder, it's a sure sign that lightning is nearby.
- Seek shelter immediately in a safe place, preferably indoors.
Indoor safety measures:
- Once inside, avoid corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from doors and windows.
- These precautions help reduce the risk of power surges because lightning can travel along conductive paths.
Wait until everything clears up:
- After the last lightning strike or strike, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
- It's important to remember that lightning can strike even if the storm seems to have passed, so be careful.
When indoor shelter is not available:
If you find yourself outdoors during a thunderstorm and unable to access an indoor shelter, take the following steps to maximize your safety:
- Avoid open fields, mountaintops, or ridges, which put you at greater risk of lightning strikes.
- Avoid tall, isolated trees and other protruding objects. In forested areas, stay closer to lower trees.
- If you are with a group of people, make sure people are spread out to prevent lightning currents from spreading from person to person.
- Camping in the open during thunderstorms is strongly discouraged. If you have no other choice, camp in a valley, canyon, or other low-lying area. It’s worth noting that tents do not provide lightning protection.
- Keep away from water, wet objects or metal objects. Although water and metals do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, staying alert and prepared are your best allies when faced with lightning threats. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a lightning-related accident and prioritize your safety.
Mastering Wet Roads: Safety Tips During Heavy Rainfall
When a heavy rain comes, safety comes first. Equip yourself with these guides from the weather service to drive on wet roads and avoid hazards:
Watch out for fast water flow:
Avoid parking or walking near culverts or drains, as fast-moving water during heavy rain may wash you away.
Maintain a safe driving distance:
Follow the two-second rule and maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. In heavy rain, allow an extra two seconds to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.
Slow down and be cautious:
If it's raining and the roads are slippery, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let the speed gradually decrease. Never apply the brakes suddenly as this may cause the car to skid.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the center lane to minimize the risk of skidding. The outside lanes are more likely to accumulate water.
Prioritize visibility
Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles behind you and in your blind spots, as they will be difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
Be aware of slippery roads:
The first half hour of rain is when the roads are the slipperiest due to a mix of rain, dirt and oil. Be extremely careful during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Don't get too close to large trucks or buses. Splash from large tires can reduce your visibility. Also be careful when passing them; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
Pay attention to your windshield wipers:
Overloading the wiper blades can affect visibility. If rain is severely affecting your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in a rest area or shelter.
When on-street parking is your only option, move your vehicle as far away from the road as possible, preferably beyond a guardrail. Keep your headlights on and activate your emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your location.
These precautions can make a big difference in keeping you safe on the road in the face of heavy rain. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed local government guidance to ensure a safe trip.
Advanced Local Weather Alerts, a service from United Robots, uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
