At 6:16 p.m. on Wednesday, the National Weather Service said that Sumter and Marengo counties would have heavy thunderstorms through 7:15 p.m.
Wind gusts of up to 40 mph are possible for locals to expect.
Strong thunderstorms were detected by Doppler radar at 6:15 p.m. along a line that ran from close to Forkland to eight miles south of Coatopa. The meteorological service notes that the movement was southeast at 20 mph. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”
Demopolis, Linden, Uniontown, Jefferson, Thomaston, Sweet Water, Myrtlewood, Faunsdale, Dayton, Nanafalia, Consul, Surginer, Putnam, Freddie Jones Field, Pin Hook, Magnolia, Wayne, Miller, Chickasaw State Park, and Dixons Mill are among the places included in the alert’s affected areas.
According to the weather service, “If you’re outside, think about taking cover inside a building.” These storms are accompanied by many lightning strikes from clouds to the earth. Ten miles can separate a thunderstorm from a lightning strike. Look for a secure place to hide inside a building or car.
Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines
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.
Remember the following advice to stay safe during a thunderstorm:
Plan for lightning safety:
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When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
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Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
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Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, 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 with a group, ensure individuals are spread 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. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In conclusion, readiness and alertness are your greatest allies while dealing with the threat of lightning. You may put your safety first and drastically lower the chance of lightning-related mishaps by adhering to these rules.
Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain
Safety comes first when there is a lot of rain. To avoid dangers and navigate wet roads, arm yourself with these weather service guidelines:
Watch out for swift water flow:
When it rains a lot, stay clear from parking or strolling near culverts or drainage ditches since the swift-moving water could carry you away.
Keep your distances from other vehicles safe:
In heavy rain, the two-second rule of following distance is your friend. To guarantee safe spacing under unfavorable circumstances, increase it to four seconds.
Reduce your speed and drive carefully:
Lowering your speed is essential on wet roads. To prevent skidding, reduce the accelerator gradually rather than braking 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.
Put visibility first.
Turn on your headlights to improve visibility in severe rain. Rain-stained windows can make it difficult to see cars in blind spots, so be especially alert for them.
Be cautious on slick roads:
During the first half hour after the rain starts, exercise additional caution. The road becomes slick when water combines with dirt and oil on the surface.
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. Take cover at rest areas or other safe places.
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.
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