An updated report from the National Weather Service was issued Monday at 4:52 p.m. for severe thunderstorms through 5:45 p.m. for Morgan, Marshall and Cullman counties.
Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea-sized (0.25 inch) hail are expected.
“At 4:52 p.m., Doppler radar detected a severe thunderstorm 10 miles northwest of Holly Pond, or 10 miles west of Arab, moving southeast at 30 mph,” the weather service said. “Wind gusts could down tree limbs and blow loose objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
Areas affected by the alert include Guntersville, Arab, Holly Pond, Baileyton, Eva, Hulaco, Cole Springs, Eddy, Ryan Crossroads and Joppa.
According to the weather service, “If you are outside, consider taking shelter inside a building. Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles (16 km) from a storm. Seek safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. This storm may intensify, so be sure to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.”
Preparing for imminent lightning strikes: Safety recommendations from experts
Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning kills approximately 20 people each year, according to the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as storms approach, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually diminishing as it moves away.
To ensure your safety during a storm, consider the following recommendations:
Lightning Safety Plan:
- When venturing outdoors, it is essential to have a clear plan for seeking shelter in the event of lightning.
- Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for any ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it is a clear indication that lightning is nearby.
- Quickly seek shelter in a safe place, preferably indoors.
Safety measures inside:
- Once inside, avoid using landline phones, electrical appliances, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
- These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, because lightning can follow conductive paths.
Wait for the green light:
- After the last lightning or thunder strike, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
- Lightning can strike even when a storm appears to have passed, so be careful.
When indoor shelter is not available:
If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, follow these steps to maximize your safety:
- Avoid open fields, hilltops or ridges, which put you at higher risk of lightning.
- Avoid large, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower trees.
- If you are in a group, make sure individuals are spaced apart to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
- Camping in an open area during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no other choice, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying area. Remember that a tent offers no protection from lightning.
- Stay away from bodies of water, wet objects, or metal objects. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they are efficient conductors of electricity and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when faced with the threat of lightning, preparation and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning incidents and prioritize your safety.
Driving on Rainy Roads: Wet Weather Safety Tips
Heavy rains can cause flooding if they are prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be caused by saturated soil and/or the intensity of the rainfall. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe during heavy rain:
Beware of flooded waterways:
Avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, as fast-flowing water during heavy rains can potentially carry you away.
Maintain safe driving distances:
Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you, and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.
Reduce speed and drive carefully:
On wet roads, it is essential to slow down. Gradually release the accelerator and avoid sudden braking to avoid skidding.
Choose your path wisely:
Stay in the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. The outside lanes are more prone to water accumulation.
Prioritize visibility
Improve your visibility in heavy rain by turning on 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 roads are most slippery due to a mixture of rain, dirt and oil. Be especially careful during this time.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility due to tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass quickly and safely.
Pay attention to your windshield wipers:
Overloaded wiper blades can impair visibility. If rain is severely affecting your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or sheltered areas.
If you have no choice but to pull over to the side of the road, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond the guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your location.
In case of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in keeping you safe on the road. Remember to keep yourself informed of weather conditions and follow the advice of local authorities for a safe journey.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
