The National Weather Service issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning for Lancaster County at 6:12 p.m. on Wednesday, which was in force until 6:45 p.m.
The storms are bringing with them wind gusts of up to 60 mph and penny-sized hail (0.75 inches).
According to the meteorological service, “a severe thunderstorm was located over Lititz at 6:12 p.m., moving south at 10 mph.” “Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”
Lancaster, Lititz, East Petersburg, Akron, Leola, Salunga-Landisville, Rothsville, Brickerville, Leacock, Bareville, and Lancaster Airport are among the places affected by the warning.
The weather agency advises individuals to “stay inside a well-built structure and keep away from windows.”
Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice
Approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States annually, most of which take place in the summer. The weather service reports that lightning is the cause of death for about 20 persons each year. As thunderstorms get closer, the risk of lightning increases; it peaks when the storm is directly overhead and then progressively decreases as it passes.
Remember the following advice to stay safe during a thunderstorm:
Plan for lightning safety:
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When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
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Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
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Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.
Indoor safety precautions:
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Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
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These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.
Hold off till the all-clear:
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After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
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Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.
When there is no indoor shelter:
Take these precautions to increase your safety if you are outside during a thunderstorm without access to inside shelter:
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Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
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Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
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If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
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Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
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Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In conclusion, being alert and ready are your best defenses against lightning threats. You may put your safety first and drastically lower the likelihood of lightning-related mishaps by adhering to these rules.
Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall
If heavy rainfall persists or if runoff is substantial, flooding may result. Saturated soils and/or heavy rainfall can cause excessive runoff. To keep safe during periods of intense rain, heed these weather service recommendations:
Watch out for swift water flow:
When it rains a lot, stay clear from parking or strolling near culverts or drainage ditches since the swift-moving water could carry you away.
Keep your distances from other vehicles safe:
To keep a safe following distance behind the car in front of you, follow the two-second rule. To account for decreased traction and braking efficiency in heavy weather, give yourself an extra two seconds.
Reduce your speed and drive carefully:
Lowering your speed is essential on wet roads. To prevent skidding, gently release the gas pedal and refrain from applying sudden braking.
Pick your lane carefully:
To reduce the chance of hydroplaning, stay in the middle lanes. Water is more likely to accumulate in outside lanes.
Visibility is important.
As rain-spattered windows make it more difficult to see other vehicles, turn on your headlights and pay attention to those in blind spots and behind you.
Be cautious on slick roads:
Because of a combination of rain, oil, and grime, roadways are at their slickest during the first 30 minutes of precipitation. Be especially careful during this time.
Stay a safe distance away from big cars:
Tire spray from big vehicles and buses can make it harder to see. Pass them quickly and safely, and refrain from tailgating.
Be mindful of your wipers:
The wiper blades may be overloaded by heavy rain. It’s time to stop and wait for the rain to stop when visibility is so poor that you can’t see other cars or the road’s borders from a safe distance. Stopping at rest areas or other sheltered spaces is the best option.
If you can’t avoid the roadside, pull off as far as you can, ideally past the end of a guard rail, and wait for the storm to pass. To let other cars know where you are, turn on your emergency flashers and keep your headlights on.
Taking these safety measures will significantly improve your road safety while it’s raining a lot. For a safe trip, keep yourself updated on weather conditions and follow local authorities’ instructions.
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