As of 1:24 p.m. Saturday, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service, effective until 9 p.m. for the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island counties as well as Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties.
Preparing for imminent lightning strikes: Safety recommendations from 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 clear plan for seeking shelter in the event of lightning.
- Watch the sky for signs of danger and listen for thunder. If you hear thunder, it is an indication that lightning is nearby.
- Find a safe place to take shelter, 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.
- It is important to remember that 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 open areas 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, preparation and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning incidents and prioritize your safety.
Rainy roads ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain
Heavy rains can increase the risk of flooding and dangerous roads. Here’s the weather service’s guide to staying safe during downpours:
Beware of flooded waterways:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where flowing water can pose a serious hazard.
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.
Reduce speed and drive carefully:
On wet roads, it is essential to reduce your speed. Gradually release the accelerator pedal and avoid sudden braking to avoid skidding.
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.
Visibility is important:
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. Water spray from 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.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risks and ensure your well-being in the event of heavy rain. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed the advice of local authorities to ensure your safety during your trip.
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.
