Severe thunderstorm warning updates for Wise County for Tuesday

NWS Fort Worth TX issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning Tuesday at 4:44 PM for Wise County. The storms are expected to bring winds of up to 60 mph and hailstones the size of walnuts (1.5 inches).

“At 4:44 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located 15 miles west of Sanger, moving east at 35 mph,” the National Weather Service said. “People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows and vehicles. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding and trees.”

Locations affected by the warning include Greenwood and Slidell.

According to the NWS, “For your protection, get into a sturdy structure and stay away from windows.”

This warning is in effect until 5:30 p.m

Actions to take when a lightning threat is imminent

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Most strikes occur in the summer, killing 20 people each year, according to the National Weather Service. The chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and reaches its peak when the storm is in the sky. It diminishes as the storm moves away.

Here are suggestions for staying safe during thunderstorms:

• To reduce the risk of being struck by lightning, when you go out, make a plan to get to a safer place.

• If the sky becomes threatening and thunder becomes audible, find a safe place to seek shelter.

• Once inside, refrain from touching corded phones, electrical appliances, plumbing, windows and doors.

• Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder strike before heading outside again.

If finding indoor shelter is not an option:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops or hilltops.

• Stay away from tall, lone trees or other tall structures. When in the forest, stay close to groups of shorter trees.

• If you are with a group, distribute to prevent transmission between members.

• If you are camping in an open area, choose a ravine, ravine, or low-lying area for your campsite. Remember that tents do not protect you from lightning.

• Do not approach water, wet objects or metal items. Although water and metals do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively.

What steps should be followed when driving in the rain?

• Turn your headlights on — Even when it’s light out, using your headlights can improve visibility and alert other drivers of your presence.

• While on the road — choose middle lanes and stay on high ground. Rainwater tends to collect along the edges of the road.

• Stay away from puddles — Driving through puddles or areas with low rainfall can cause watercraft to slide or spin out of control

• Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles — trucks or buses can produce water spray that obstructs visibility.

• Avoid flooded areas — When encountering a flooded road, make a U-turn and reverse. Strong currents caused by flash floods can pull drivers off the roads. Driving in deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.

What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably on wet roads.

This occurs when water builds up in front of the tire faster than the vehicle’s weight, pushing the water off the road. Then the water pressure causes the car to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, causing the driver to lose control of it. The three most important contributors to hydroplaning are:

1. Vehicle speed — When vehicle speed increases, tire traction and vehicle control decrease. Drive at low speeds during wet weather.

2. Water depth – The deeper the water, the more traction the car loses on the road. It doesn’t matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to aquaplaning.

3. Tire Tread Depth – It is important to check your tire tread before hitting the road, as low or no tread can lead to skidding.

In case your car hydroplanes, here’s what you should know:

• Ease off the accelerator — Ease off the accelerator to slow the vehicle down so the tires can grip.

• Turning into a skid zone — Shifting into a skid zone can help realign your vehicle’s tires to regain control.

• Make sure the tires reconnect with the road — During a slide, wait for the tires to reconnect with the road and then gently adjust the wheels to regain control.

• Brake gently as needed — brake normally if your car has antilock brakes, and pump the brakes gently if you’re in an older car.

Source: National Meteorological Directorate