Be prepared for strong thunderstorms in Geneva County on Tuesday

A National Weather Service report issued Tuesday at 4:10 p.m. warned residents of strong thunderstorms until 4:45 p.m. in Geneva County.

Residents may experience wind gusts up to 40 mph.

“At 4:09 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 9 miles southwest of Samsun, or 12 miles east of Florala, moving northeast at 25 mph,” the weather service said. “Gusty winds can knock down tree limbs and blow around unsafe objects.”

The warning is for Geneva, Sampson, Spurs, Gaskin, Sellersville, Little, Darlington, Marl, Loganfield Municipal A/B, Sweetgum Head, Royals Crossroads, Geneva Municipal A/B, Vaughanville, Somerset and Enola.

The Weather Service comments: “If you are outdoors, consider seeking shelter indoors. This storm may intensify, so be sure to monitor available local radio and television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.”

This advisory is in effect until 4:45 p.m

Preparing to be close to lightning: Expert safety advice

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times each year, and the bulk of these electrical discharges occur during the summer months. Sadly, lightning kills about 20 people a year, according to the weather service. The risk of lightning-related accidents increases as thunderstorms approach, reaching their peak when the storm looms directly overhead. However, it gradually subsides as the storm moves away.

To ensure your safety during thunderstorms, consider the following recommendations:

1. Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s essential to have a clear plan for seeking shelter in the event of lightning.
• Watch the sky for signs of a threat and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, this is an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Find a safe place to take shelter, preferably indoors.

2. Safety measures inside:

• Once inside, avoid corded phones, electrical appliances, and plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
• Lightning can follow conductive paths, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

3. Wait for it to clear:

• After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• Lightning can strike even after the storm has passed, so you need to be careful.

When indoor shelter is not available:

If you find yourself outside without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, follow these steps for maximum safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops or hilltops that put you at greater risk of lightning.
• Stay away from tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to low trees.
• If you are in a group, make sure people are spaced apart to prevent lightning transmission between people.
• It is highly not recommended to camp outdoors during a thunderstorm. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a ravine, ravine, or other low-lying area. It is important to note that the tent does not provide any protection against lightning.
• Do not approach bodies of water, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metals do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant hazards.

In short, when faced with a lightning threat, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce your chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.

Rainy roads ahead: essential safety tips for heavy rain

When heavy rain falls, safety is paramount. Prepare yourself with these tips from the weather service for navigating wet roads and avoiding hazards:

Beware of swollen waterways:

• During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near sewers or drainage ditches, as fast-moving water can pose a serious hazard.

Maintain safe driving distances:

• Follow the two-second rule to maintain a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional 2 seconds of clearance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

Reduce speed and drive carefully:

• If it rains and the roads are wet, slow down. Lift your foot off the accelerator and let your speed gradually decrease. Never apply the brakes suddenly as this may cause the vehicle to skid.

Choose your path wisely:

• Stay toward the middle aisles – water tends to pool in the outer aisles.

The importance of vision:

• Enhance your visibility during heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be especially vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-stained windows can obscure them.

Beware of slippery roads:

• The first half hour of rain is when the roads are smoothest due to a mixture of rain, dirt and oil. Use extreme caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

• Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tracking and pass quickly and safely.

Take care of the windshield wipers in your car:

• Overloaded wiper blades can obstruct visibility. If rain severely limits your visibility, stop and wait for conditions to improve. Resort to rest areas or protected places.
• If the side of the road is your only option, drive as far away as possible, preferably past the end of the guardrail, and wait for the storm to pass. Keep your headlights on and turn on your emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your location.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain falls. Stay informed of the weather conditions and listen to advice from local authorities to make your trip safe and sound.

Advanced Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to collect the latest data from the National Weather Service.