On Saturday at 4:27 p.m., the National Weather Service issued an updated severe weather warning that is in effect until 9:00 p.m. for Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, Etowah and St. Clair counties.
When lightning threatens: Safety tips from experts during thunderstorms
Lightning strikes occur about 25 million times each year in the United States, with most of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, about 20 people are killed by lightning strikes each year, according to the Weather Service. The danger from lightning strikes increases as thunderstorms approach, reaching its peak when the storm is directly overhead and gradually diminishing as it moves away.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, follow these recommendations:
Lightning protection plan:
- When you are outdoors, it is important to have a clear plan for seeking shelter in the event of a lightning strike.
- 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.
- Find a safe shelter, preferably indoors.
Indoor safety measures:
- Avoid using corded telephones, electrical appliances or plumbing indoors and stay away from 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 mountain 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.
Mastering wet roads: safety tips for heavy rain
Heavy rain increases the risk of flooding and dangerous roads. Here’s your weather service guide to staying safe during downpours:
Be careful in case of flooding:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches where fast-flowing water can pose a serious hazard.
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.
Reduce speed and drive carefully:
On wet roads, it is extremely important to slow down. Ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane carefully:
Stay in the middle lanes to minimize the risk of aquaplaning. More water can 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 of 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:
Do not drive too close behind large trucks or buses. The spray created by their large tires will limit your visibility. Also be careful when overtaking; if you must overtake, do so quickly and safely.
Pay attention to your windshield wipers:
Overloaded wiper blades can reduce visibility. If rain is severely affecting your visibility, pull over to the side of the road and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or places sheltered from the wind.
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.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risks and ensure your well-being during heavy rain. Stay informed about weather conditions and follow the advice of local authorities to ensure your trip is safe and unharmed.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots that uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
