The National Weather Service issued an update Wednesday night at 7:26 p.m., with severe thunderstorms in Hamilton and Warren counties through 8:15 p.m.
Withstands pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts up to 50 mph.
“At 7:26 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a severe thunderstorm over Speculator moving east at 20 mph,” the weather service said. “Strong winds may knock down tree branches and blow them around unsafe objects. Hail may cause minor damage to vegetation.”
Locations affected by the alert include Indian Lake, Speculator, Johnsburg, Lake Pleasant, Lewey Lake Campground, North Creek, Moffitt Beach Campground, Garnet Lake, Sodom, Perkins Clearing, Edwards Hill, Christian Hill, Holcombville, North River, Sled Harbor, Bakers Mills and Sabael.
“If outside, consider seeking shelter inside a building. This storm will also bring heavy rains that may cause localized flooding. Do not drive through flooded roadways,” the weather service commented.
Be prepared for coming lightning: Expert safety 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, remember the following tips:
Lightning Safety Plan:
- When venturing outdoors, it's crucial to have a clear plan for seeking shelter in the event of lightning.
- 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 you find shelter indoors, do not use corded phones, appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and stay away from doors or 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 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 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. Although water and metals do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, preparation and vigilance are your best allies when faced with lightning threats. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a lightning-related incident and prioritize your safety.
A rainy road ahead: Basic safety tips during heavy rain
Rain can make roads dangerous. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to stay safe during heavy rainfall:
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 be cautious:
On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Gradually release the accelerator pedal and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.
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 to improve visibility in heavy rain. Watch for vehicles in your blind spots as rain-soaked windows can obscure them.
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:
Overloading the wiper blades can affect visibility. If heavy rain severely limits your visibility, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in a rest area or protected location.
If the roadside is your only option, park as far away as possible, preferably over the end of the guardrail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on your emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your location.
By taking these safety measures, you can significantly reduce your risk and ensure your health when the rain pours. Stay informed about weather conditions and follow local government advice to ensure your journey is safe and worry-free.
Advanced Local Weather Alerts, a service from United Robots, uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
