The National Weather Service issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning for Chester County at 7:36 p.m. Thursday, with a duration of 8 p.m.
Penny-sized hail (0.75 inches) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph are predicted.
The meteorological service said that “a severe thunderstorm was located over Newark at 7:36 p.m., moving southeast at 25 mph.” “Damage to roofs, siding, trees, and power lines is possible.”
Wilmington, Newark, Elsmere, New Castle, Delaware City, Newport, Saint Georges, Glen Roy, Mount Pleasant, Greenville, Stanton, North Star, Glasgow, Bear, Landenberg, Port Penn, Wilmington Manor, Pike Creek, Kemblesville, and Hockessin are among the places affected by the warning.
“For your protection, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building,” the weather service adds.
Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice
Approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States annually, with the majority of these electrical discharges taking place in the summer. Unfortunately, according to the weather service, lightning kills roughly 20 people every year. As thunderstorms approach, the likelihood of lightning-related incidents increases, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. But as the tempest sweeps away, it gradually fades away.
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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Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.
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, which 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 no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers 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.
Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain
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:
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.
Slow down and drive carefully:
Reduce your speed if it’s raining and the roads are wet. Reduce your speed gently by taking your foot off the accelerator. Never apply the brakes abruptly since this could cause the vehicle to slide.
Pick your lane carefully:
To reduce the chance of hydroplaning, stay in the middle lanes. Water is more likely to accumulate in outside lanes.
Put visibility first.
Turn on your headlights to improve visibility in severe rain. Rain-stained windows can make it difficult to see cars in blind zones, so be especially alert for them.
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.
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.
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