Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for Tuscaloosa and Hale counties Saturday afternoon

A report from the National Weather Service was issued at 2:20 p.m. Saturday for severe thunderstorms until 3 p.m. for Tuscaloosa and Hale counties.

Residents can expect wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 2:19 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a severe thunderstorm near Moundville, or 12 miles southwest of Tuscaloosa, moving east at 25 mph,” the weather service said. “Strong winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations affected by the alert include South Tuscaloosa, Moundville, Coaling, Vance, McFarland Mall, Shelton State Community College, Englewood, Ralph, Little Sandy, Maxwell, Moundville Airport, Phipps, Taylorville, Fosters Boat Landing, Hull, Hagler, Mound State Park, Duncanville, Fosters and Pearson.

The weather service states, “If you are outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Stay safe as lightning approaches: expert advice

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times each year, with most of these strikes occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning incidents increases as storms approach, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the storm moves away.

To ensure your safety during a storm, consider the following recommendations:

Lightning Safety Plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s essential to have a lightning safety plan.
• Stay alert by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is heard, it is a clear indication of lightning nearby.
• Find a safe place to take shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoor safety measures:

• Once you’ve found shelter indoors, refrain from using corded telephones, electrical appliances or plumbing, and avoid going near windows and doors.
• Lightning can follow conductive paths, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

Wait for total clarity:

• After the last lightning or thunder, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so be careful.

When indoor shelter is not available:

If you’re outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a storm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge tops, as they expose you to a greater risk of lightning.
• Avoid tall, isolated trees and other protruding objects. In wooded areas, stay close to the lower canopy of trees.
• If you are in a group, make sure that individuals are spread out to prevent the transfer of lightning current between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a storm is strongly discouraged. If there is no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine or other low-lying area. Remember that a tent does not provide protection from lightning.
• Do not go near bodies of water, wet objects or metal objects. While water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can present significant risks.

In short, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparation are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.

Mastering Wet Roads: Safety Tips for Heavy Rain

When heavy rains occur, the risk of flooding and dangerous driving conditions increases. Whether it’s prolonged rain or rapid runoff, preparation is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe during heavy rain:

Beware of swollen waterways:

During heavy rains, avoid parking or walking near drains or drainage ditches, where fast-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Keep driving distances safe:

The two-second rule for tracking distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure a safe distance in adverse conditions.

Slow down and be cautious:

On wet roads, reducing speed is essential. Release the accelerator pedal gradually and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay in the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in the outer lanes.

Visibility matters:

Turn on your headlights and watch out for other vehicles behind you and in your blind spots, as they’re especially hard to see through rain-spattered windows.

Beware of slippery roads:

The first half hour of rain is when the roads are more slippery due to a mixture of rain, dirt and oil. You have increased attention during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Do not follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Be careful when you pass them too; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Attention to the windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the sides of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to subside. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

If the side of the road is your only option, pull over as far as possible, preferably over the end of a guardrail, and wait for the storm to pass. Keep your headlights on and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your position.

By following these safety precautions, you can significantly reduce the risks and ensure your well-being when it rains heavily. Stay aware of weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your trip safe.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots that uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.