At 2:22 p.m. on Sunday, the National Weather Service issued a weather notice for Tuscaloosa County, warning of heavy thunderstorms through 2:45 p.m.
Pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph are possible during the storms.
“At 2:22 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Jena, or 10 miles southwest of Northport, moving south at 25 mph,” according to the meteorological service. Gusty winds have the potential to blow around unsecured objects and topple tree branches. There is a chance of minor hail damage to vegetation.
The following locations are affected by the alert: Fosters, Ralph, Romulus, and Fosters Boat Landing.
The weather service states that “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”
When lightning looms: Expert safety tips for thunderstorms
About 25 million lightning strikes occur in the US annually, primarily in the summer. The weather service estimates that it kills around 20 people a year. As thunderstorms get closer, the risk of lightning increases; it peaks when the storm is directly overhead and then progressively decreases as it passes.
Consider the following advice to keep yourself safe during a thunderstorm:
Plan for lightning safety:
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When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
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Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
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Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.
Indoor safety precautions:
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Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
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These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.
Hold off till the all-clear:
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After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
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Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.
When there is no indoor shelter:
Take these precautions to increase your safety if you are outside during a thunderstorm without access to indoor shelter:
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Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
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Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
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If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
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Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
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Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In conclusion, being alert and ready are your best defenses against lightning threats. You may put your safety first and drastically lower the likelihood of lightning-related mishaps by adhering to these rules.
Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall
Roads can become dangerous when it rains. Keep yourself updated and heed these weather service recommendations to stay safe during periods of intense precipitation:
Watch out for swift water flow:
Avoid parking or strolling close to culverts or drainage ditches during periods of intense precipitation, as the swift-moving water can be quite dangerous.
Keep your distances from other vehicles safe:
To keep a safe following distance behind the car in front of you, follow the two-second rule. To account for decreased traction and braking efficiency in heavy weather, give yourself an extra two seconds.
Reduce your speed and drive carefully:
It’s crucial to slow down on wet roads. To avoid sliding, reduce the accelerator gradually and don’t brake suddenly.
Pick your lane carefully:
To reduce the chance of hydroplaning, stay in the middle lanes. Water is more likely to accumulate in outside lanes.
Visibility is important.
As rain-spattered windows make it more difficult to see other vehicles, turn on your headlights and pay attention to those in blind spots and behind you.
Be cautious on slick roads:
Roads are slickest during the first half-hour of rain because of a combination of rain, oil, and filth. Be especially careful during this time.
Stay a safe distance away from big cars:
Tire spray from big vehicles and buses can make it harder to see. Be careful when passing and refrain from tailgating.
Be mindful of your wipers:
Visibility may be hampered by overloaded wiper blades. If the rain significantly impairs your vision, stop and wait for the weather to clear up. Seek cover in safe spaces or rest areas.
Position your car as far off the road as you can, preferably beyond guardrails, if stopping by the side of the road is your only choice. To let other cars know where you are, turn on your emergency flashers and keep your headlights on.
Taking these safety measures will significantly improve your road safety while it’s raining a lot. For a safe trip, keep yourself updated on weather conditions and follow local authorities’ instructions.
United Robots offers a service called Advance Local Weather Alerts that gathers the most recent information from the National Weather Service using machine learning.
