At 2:37 p.m. on Tuesday, the National Weather Service said that Coosa and Tallapoosa counties would have heavy thunderstorms through 3 p.m.
Up to 40 mph wind gusts are expected for locals.
Strong thunderstorms were detected by Doppler radar at 2:36 p.m. along a line that ran from Northern Lake Martin to the area of Goodwater. The weather service reports that there was 5 mph movement to the west. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”
Alexander City, Dadeville, Goodwater, Kellyton, Jacksons’ Gap, Northern Lake Martin, Eastern Lake Martin, Parkdale, Wind Creek State Park, Western Lake Martin, Hackneyville, and Dare Park are among the places affected by the alert.
According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”
Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines
Approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States annually, most of which take place in the summer. The weather service reports that lightning is the cause of death for about 20 persons each 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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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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Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.
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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It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have 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.
Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather
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 flooding rivers:
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:
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.
Slow down and drive carefully:
Lowering your speed is essential on wet roads. To prevent skidding, gently release the gas pedal and refrain from applying sudden braking.
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:
Because of a combination of rain, oil, and grime, roadways are at their slickest during the first 30 minutes of precipitation. 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. Pass them quickly and safely, 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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