At 3:54 p.m. on Friday, the National Weather Service issued an updated severe thunderstorm watch for Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York counties, which was in force until 9 p.m.
When lightning looms: Expert safety tips for thunderstorms
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.
Consider the following advice to keep yourself 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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Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
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Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.
Indoor safety precautions:
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Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from 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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It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have 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 in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced 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. Although water and metal do not 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 flooding rivers:
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:
In heavy rain, the two-second rule of following distance is your friend. To guarantee safe spacing under unfavorable circumstances, increase it to four seconds.
Reduce your speed and exercise caution:
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:
On multilane highways, stay in the middle lanes to reduce the chance of hydroplaning because water tends to pool in the outer lanes.
Visibility is important.
Turn on your headlights to improve visibility in severe rain. Rain-stained windows can make it difficult to see cars in blind spots, so be especially alert for them.
Be cautious on slick roads:
During the first half hour after the rain starts, exercise additional caution. The road becomes slick when water combines with dirt and oil on the surface.
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:
Visibility may be hampered by overloaded wiper blades. If the rain significantly impairs your vision, stop and wait for the weather to clear up. Seek cover in safe spaces or rest zones.
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.
You may greatly lower dangers and protect your health when it rains a lot by adhering to these safety precautions. To ensure a safe and sound voyage, keep yourself updated on weather conditions and follow local authorities’ instructions.
United Robots offers a service called Advance Local Weather Alerts that gathers the most recent information from the National Weather Service using machine learning.
