At 4:31 p.m. on Friday, the National Weather Service issued an updated report for strong thunderstorms in Franklin, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, and Morgan counties. The report stated that the thunderstorms were expected to last until 5:15 p.m.
Pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 30 mph are expected.
According to the weather service, a strong thunderstorm was detected over Tanner, or 7 miles north of Decatur, moving northeast at 55 mph at 4:31 p.m. The radar tracked this storm, and it is expected to bring gusty winds that may knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. There is also a possibility of minor hail damage to vegetation.
The alert has impacted various locations, including Huntsville, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Moulton, Redstone Arsenal, Trinity, Courtland, Harvest, and Tanner.
The weather service advises people to find shelter indoors if they are outdoors.
Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice
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Every year, the United States experiences around 25 million lightning strikes, with the majority occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, these electrical discharges result in approximately 20 fatalities each year, according to the weather service. The danger of lightning-related incidents increases as thunderstorms approach, reaching its highest point when the storm is directly overhead. However, as the storm moves away, the risk gradually diminishes.
To stay safe during a thunderstorm, it is important to remember the following recommendations:
1. Creating a Lightning Safety Plan:
To ensure the safety of individuals during thunderstorms, it is crucial to have a well-defined lightning safety plan in place. This plan should outline the necessary precautions and procedures to follow when lightning strikes. By implementing a comprehensive lightning safety plan, the risk of lightning-related accidents and injuries can be significantly reduced.
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- When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
- 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.
- Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.
2. Safety Measures for Indoors:
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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.
- Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.
3. Wait for the all-clear:
Wait until you receive confirmation that it is safe to proceed.
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- After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
- Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.
If you find yourself without access to indoor shelter, there are some steps you can take to ensure your safety.
When you are caught outdoors during a thunderstorm without any indoor shelter, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your safety:
1. Find a Low-Lying Area: Look for a spot that is lower than the surrounding terrain, such as a ditch or a depression in the ground. Avoid open areas, tall objects, and bodies of water.
2. Crouch Down: Once you’ve found a low-lying area, crouch down on the balls of your feet. Keep your heels together and your head tucked down. This position helps minimize your contact with the ground and reduces the risk of being struck by lightning.
3. Stay Away from Metal Objects: Avoid any objects that conduct electricity, such as metal fences, poles, or wires. These objects can attract lightning and increase the chance of being struck.
4. Keep a Safe Distance from Trees: While it may be tempting to seek shelter under a tree, it’s actually more dangerous. Lightning tends to strike tall objects, and trees are a common target. Stay at least 15-30 feet away from any trees to reduce the risk.
5. Don’t Lie Flat on the Ground: Contrary to popular belief, lying flat on the ground does not offer protection from lightning. It actually increases the surface area of contact and raises the risk of being struck. Crouching down is a safer option.
Remember, the best way to stay safe during a thunderstorm is to seek indoor shelter before the storm arrives. However, if you find yourself outdoors, following these steps can help minimize the risk of being struck by lightning.
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- Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
- Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
- If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
- 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.
- 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.
To summarize, when dealing with the danger of lightning, it is crucial to be prepared and stay alert. By adhering to these recommendations, you can greatly diminish the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your personal safety.
Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain
If heavy rain persists or if there is excessive runoff, it can cause flooding. Flooding can occur when the ground becomes saturated or when there is a high intensity of rainfall. To ensure your safety during heavy rain, it is important to follow these recommendations provided by the weather service.
Be cautious of fast-moving water.
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- In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.
Maintain safe driving distances to ensure your safety on the road.
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- Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.
Slow down and remain cautious.
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- On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
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- Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
Make visibility a priority:
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- Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Be cautious of slippery roads.
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- Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.
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- Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.
Don’t forget about your windshield wipers.
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- Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
- When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
When faced with heavy rain, it is crucial to take these precautions to ensure your safety on the road. Make sure to stay updated on the weather conditions and follow the guidance provided by local authorities for a secure journey.
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