An updated National Weather Service report was issued at 3:44 p.m. Saturday, predicting severe thunderstorms in DeKalb County until 4:15 p.m.
The storms may bring pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour.
“At 3:43 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from Rainsville to near Crossville, moving east at 40 miles per hour,” the weather service said. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow over unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
Places affected by the warning include Fort Payne, Rainsville, Crossville, Fyffe, Powell, Geraldine, Pine Ridge, Lakeview, Dog Town and Collbran.
The weather service explains: “If you are outdoors, seek shelter inside a building. Cloud-to-ground lightning strikes are common during these storms. Lightning can strike 10 miles from a thunderstorm. Seek safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”
How to protect yourself from lightning strikes: Safety tips from experts
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 protect yourself 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 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.
- Camping outdoors during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no other options, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying area. It is important to note 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
Rain can make roads dangerous. Stay informed and follow these weather service tips to stay safe during heavy rain:
Be careful in case of flooding:
During heavy rain, do not park or walk near culverts or drainage ditches as fast-flowing water can pose a great danger.
Keep the safety distance:
Follow the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds to compensate for reduced traction and braking.
Reduce speed and drive carefully:
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:
Stay in the middle lanes as water often collects in the outside lanes.
Visibility is important:
Turn on your headlights and watch for other vehicles behind you and in your blind spot, as they are particularly difficult to see through rain-soaked windows.
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:
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:
Overloaded wiper blades can reduce visibility. If rain severely reduces your visibility, pull over to the side of the road and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or sheltered areas.
If you can only stop at the side of the road, position your vehicle as far from the road as possible, ideally behind guard rails. Leave your headlights on and activate 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.
