Weather alert for severe thunderstorms in Alabama Tuesday

An updated weather alert issued by the National Weather Service Tuesday at 3:21 a.m. warns residents of strong thunderstorms until 4 a.m. in Choctaw, Washington and Clark counties.

Residents may experience wind gusts up to 40 mph.

“At 3:20 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 4 miles south of Millery, or 8 miles northwest of Chatum, moving northeast at 40 mph,” the weather service says. “Gusty winds can knock down tree limbs and blow around unsafe objects.”

The warning is for Chatom, St. Stephens, Millie and Coffeyville.

“If you are outside, consider seeking shelter inside a building,” the weather service adds.

This alert is in effect until 4 a.m

Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert advice

Every year, lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times, and the majority of these dramatic events occur during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, according to the weather service. The danger of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms approach, peaks when the storm is directly overhead, and then gradually diminishes as it moves away.

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

1. Lightning safety plan:

• When outdoors, it is essential to have a clear plan for seeking shelter in the event of lightning.
• Be vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, this is a clear indication that there is lightning nearby.
• Seek shelter immediately in a safe place, preferably indoors.

2. Safety measures inside:

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

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 forested areas, stay close to low trees.
• If you are with a group, make sure people are spread out to prevent the lightning stream from being transmitted 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, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Navigating in heavy rain: basic safety measures for wet roads

When heavy rain falls, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions increases. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, preparation is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of swollen waterways:

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

Maintain safe driving distances:

• Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Slow down and drive carefully:

• On wet roads, slowing down is crucial. Gradually ease the accelerator pedal and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your path wisely:

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

Prioritize 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.
• When stopping on the side of the road is your only option, park your vehicle as far off the road as possible, preferably behind guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate your emergency lights 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.