The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Staten Island at 8:36 p.m. Wednesday, which remains in effect until 9:15 p.m.
Residents should prepare for wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour.
“At 8:36 p.m., severe thunderstorms developed in a line from near Morristown to near Millington to Millstone, moving east at 30 mph,” the weather service said. Damage to trees and power lines is expected.”
Thunderstorms are expected to affect the following locations:
- Plainfield and Summit around 8:40 p.m.
- Milburn around 8:45 p.m.
- Clark and Union around 8:50 p.m.
- Linden and Orange around 8:55 p.m.
- Newark and Elizabeth around 9 p.m.
- Harrison around 9:05 p.m.
“For your protection, please move to an indoor room on the lowest floor of the building,” the weather service commented.
Protect Yourself from Approaching Lightning: An Expert Safety Guide
Each year, there are approximately 25 million lightning strikes in the United States, most of which occur during the summer. Unfortunately, lightning kills about 20 people every year, according to weather department reports. The threat of lightning becomes more apparent as the thunderstorm gets closer, peaks when the thunderstorm reaches directly overhead, and gradually diminishes as the thunderstorm moves away.
To protect yourself 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 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.
- Even if a storm appears to have passed, lightning can strike, 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 wooded areas, stay close 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 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. 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.
Dealing with Heavy Rain: Basic Safety Measures for Wet Roads
When heavy rain falls, the risk of flooding and road hazards increases. Here are the weather service's guidelines for staying safe during a downpour:
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 with caution:
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:
Close to the middle lane – Water tends to accumulate on the outside lanes.
Visibility is important:
Activate your headlights to improve visibility in heavy rain. Be especially wary of vehicles in blind spots, as rain-stained windows can obscure them.
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:
Large trucks and buses can use tire spray to reduce visibility. Avoid tailgating and pass them 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.
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.
