The National Weather Service issued a report at 4:36 p.m. Wednesday of severe thunderstorms through 5 p.m. for Clarion County.
Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 50 mph.
“At 4:36 p.m., Doppler radar detected a severe thunderstorm near Rimersburg, moving east at 30 mph,” the weather service said. “Wind gusts could cause tree limbs to fall and loose objects to fly.”
The communities affected by the alert include Clarion, Rimersburg, East Brady, Parker, Sligo, Strattanville, Limestone, Hawthorn, Callensburg, Foxburg and Fisher. This includes Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania between mile markers 53 and 72.
The weather service added: “If you are outside, consider taking shelter inside a building.”
Protecting yourself from lightning: safety tips from the experts
Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year, with most of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning kills about 20 people each year, according to the weather service. The risk of lightning incidents increases as thunderstorms approach, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. However, it gradually decreases as the storm moves away.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:
Lightning Safety Plan:
- When venturing outdoors, it is essential to have a lightning safety plan in place.
- Watch the sky for signs of danger and listen for thunder. If you hear thunder, it is an 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.
- Lightning can follow conductive paths and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.
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 as these put you at a higher risk of lightning strikes.
- 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. It is important to note that a tent does not provide any 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, vigilance and preparation are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.
Driving in the rain: safety tips for wet roads
In case of heavy rain, safety is paramount. Arm yourself with these instructions from the weather service to travel on wet roads and avoid dangers:
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:
Follow the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an extra two seconds of following distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking efficiency.
Slow down and drive carefully:
If it is raining and the road is wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and gradually reduce your speed. Never use the brakes suddenly, as this could cause the car to skid.
Choose your path wisely:
Stay in the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to collect in the outer lanes.
Prioritize visibility
Improve your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-stained windows can obscure them.
Beware of slippery roads:
Be especially careful during the first half hour after the rain begins. Dirt and oil on the road mix with the water and make the road slippery.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your visibility. Also, be careful when passing them; if you must pass, do so 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 the side of the road is your only option, pull over as far away as possible, preferably beyond the end of a guardrail, and wait out the storm. Keep your headlights on and turn on 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.
