On Wednesday at 5:12 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a report predicting severe thunderstorms in Berkshire County until 6:00 p.m.
Be prepared for pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts up to 40 mph.
“At 5:12 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Berlin, 22.5 kilometers east of Troy, moving southeast at 40 km/h,” the weather service said. “Gusty winds could knock down branches and blow unsecured objects around. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
Places affected by the warning include North Adams, Williamstown, Cheshire, Grafton, Berlin, Florida, Hancock, Savoy, New Ashford, Averill Park, Berkshire, Brunswick, Sand Lake, Dalton, Poestenkill, Lanesborough, Windsor, Peru and Greylock.
According to the weather service: “If you are outdoors, seek shelter in a building.”
How to stay safe from lightning strikes: Expert advice
Lightning strikes occur about 25 million times each year in the United States, with the majority of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning strikes claim the lives of about 20 people each year, according to the Weather Service. The risk of lightning strikes increases as thunderstorms approach, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. However, it gradually subsides as the storm recedes.
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.
- Immediately seek shelter in a safe place, 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.
- Remember that lightning can still strike even after a storm appears to have passed, 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 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 is spread out to prevent lightning current from being transmitted between people.
- It is strongly discouraged to camp outdoors during a thunderstorm. If there is no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine or other low area. Remember 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, preparation and vigilance are your best allies when you are at risk of being struck by lightning. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of being struck by lightning and put your safety first.
Navigating in heavy rain: Important safety measures for wet roads
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:
Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as fast-flowing water may sweep you away during heavy rain.
Keep the safety distance:
Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you, and add an additional two seconds in heavy rain.
Slow down and be careful:
When it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and reduce the speed gradually. Never brake suddenly, otherwise the car may skid.
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 on 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:
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid following them too closely and overtake them 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.
In heavy rain, these precautions can go a long way to keeping you safe on the road. Remember to check weather conditions and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure a safe journey.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots that uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
