Look for severe thunderstorms in Marion and Winston counties Thursday afternoon

A severe thunderstorm watch was issued from the National Weather Service at 1:27 p.m. Thursday until 2:15 p.m. for Marion and Winston counties.

Residents can be prepared for wind gusts up to 40 mph.

“At 1:27 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a severe thunderstorm near Phil Campbell, or near Haleyville. This storm was almost stationary,” the weather service said. “Strong winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations affected by the alert include Haleyville, Hackleburg, Needmore, Brinn, Bear Creek, Weiss, Posey Field Airport, Tessner, Delmar, Pebble and Upper Bear Creek Reservoir.

The weather service adds, “If you are outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rain is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive the vehicle on flooded roads. Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning occurs with this storm. . Lightning can strike 10 miles from a storm. Seek safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.

Preparing for Imminent Lightning Strikes: Tips from Safety Experts

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with most of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for the loss of life of about 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as storms approach, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually decreasing as it moves away.

To protect yourself during a storm, consider these recommendations:

Lightning Safety Plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s essential to have a lightning safety plan.
• Monitor the sky for signs of threat and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is heard, it is an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Seek shelter promptly in a safe place, 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.
• Lightning can strike even when it looks like a storm has passed, so be careful.

When indoor shelter is not available:

If you’re outdoors without access to indoor shelters 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.

Sailing in Heavy Rain: Essential Safety Precautions for Wet Roads

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 fast flowing water:

In heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near drains or drainage ditches, where fast-moving water can be a serious hazard.

Keep driving distances safe:

Follow the two second rule to maintain a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an extra two seconds of gap to compensate for reduced traction and braking efficiency.

Slow down and drive carefully:

If it’s raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let the speed drop gradually. Never apply the brakes suddenly as this may cause the car to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes – water tends to collect on the outer lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Improve your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be especially alert to vehicles in your blind spots, as rain-soaked windows can hide them.

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:

Overloaded wiper blades can impede visibility. If the rain is seriously affecting your vision, stop and wait for the conditions to improve. Seek refuge in rest areas or sheltered places.

When stopping on the side of the road is your only option, position the vehicle as far away from the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your position.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a big difference in keeping you safe on the road. Remember to be informed about the weather conditions and take into account the guidance of the local authorities for a safe journey.

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.