A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. in effect until 6:30 p.m. for Columbia, Lycoming and Montour counties.
Thunderstorms with damaging winds and penny-sized hail in part of Pennsylvania Wednesday – gusts up to 60 mphA severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 5:45 p.
m. in effect until 6:30 p.m. for Columbia, Lycoming and Montour counties."At 5:44 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Lairdsville, moving southeast at 25 mph," says the weather service. "Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees." Locations impacted by the warning include Bloomsburg, Catawissa, Mifflinville, Lightstreet, Almedia, Fernville, Mechanicsville, Buckhorn, Jerseytown, Rupert, Rohrsburg and Iola. For those driving on Interstate 80, this includes areas between the Danville and Nescopek exits, specifically from mile markers 226 to 243. This includes Interstate 180 from mile markers 9 to 11.Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.Lightning safety plan: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.Once you've found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors. These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, 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 exercise caution.If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested 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 you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It's crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning. 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 summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.When heavy rain pours, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads rises. Here's your guide from the weather service to staying safe during downpours:During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.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 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.Don't follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges 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 ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas. If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position. In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.
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