The National Weather Service issued a weather warning at 3:28 p.m. Wednesday for severe thunderstorms in Jackson County until 4 p.m.
Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
According to the weather service, “At 3:28 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a severe thunderstorm 7 miles east of Gurley (12 miles northwest of Scottsboro) moving towards the city at 25 mph. Moving east. “High winds may knock down tree branches and blow over unsafe objects. “
Locations affected by the alert include Scottsboro, Hollywood, Skyline, Pleasant Groves, Trenton, Garth, Larkinsville and Hollytree.
According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”
Stay safe when lightning approaches: Expert advice
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.
- Monitor the sky for signs of danger and listen for thunder. If you hear thunder, it means lightning is nearby.
- Find safe shelter, preferably indoors.
Indoor safety measures:
- Once inside, avoid corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from doors and windows.
- Lightning can travel along conductive paths, and these precautions can reduce the risk of power surges.
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, hilltops or ridges as they 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 in a group, make sure people are spaced apart to prevent lightning currents from spreading from person to person.
- Camping in the open during thunderstorms is strongly discouraged. If you have no other options, camp in a valley, canyon, or other low-lying area. Keep in mind that tents do not provide lightning protection.
- Keep away from water, wet objects or metal objects. While 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.
Driving in pouring rain: A safety guide for wet roads
When heavy rains come, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions increases. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, preparation is crucial. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe during heavy rain:
Beware of swollen ducts:
During heavy rain, do not park or walk near culverts or drainage ditches, where strong currents can pose serious dangers.
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 drive carefully:
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 middle lane on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
Visibility is important:
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 a 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:
Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that you cannot see the edge of the road or other vehicles from a safe distance, you need to pull over and wait for the rain to subside. It's best to park at rest areas or other protected areas.
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.
