On Sunday at 7:28 p.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 8 p.m. for Westmoreland County.
Update: Brace for damaging winds with thunderstorms in Westmoreland County Sunday – gusts may reach 60 mphOn Sunday at 7:28 p.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 8 p.
m. for Westmoreland County."At 7:28 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located 5 miles southwest of Ligonier, or 9 miles southeast of Latrobe, moving northeast at 20 mph," comments the weather service. "Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees." Locations impacted by the warning include Ligonier, Laurel Mountain, Loyalhanna Gorge and Laurel Mountain State Park. The weather service comments, "Seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from windows. This storm is capable of producing damaging winds."Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, mostly during the summer. It claims the lives of about 20 people annually, according to the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away. To guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:When venturing outdoors, it's crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place. 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. Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.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 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 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 sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it's prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.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 with caution.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.
United Robots Weather Alerts @Exalerts Section:/Weather-Alerts
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Update: Look for damaging winds and penny-sized hail with thunderstorms in Adams County SaturdayThe National Weather Service issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning at 3:31 p.m. on Saturday in effect until 4 p.m. for Adams County.
Read more »
Thunderstorms with penny-sized hail and damaging winds in York County SundayAt 4:32 p.m. on Sunday, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 5 p.m. for York County.
Read more »
Update: Damaging winds forecast with thunderstorms in Somerset County SundayOn Sunday at 2:42 p.m. an updated severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until 3 p.m. for Somerset County.
Read more »
Update: The current severe thunderstorm warning for Westmoreland County will be expiring at 2:30 p.m.The warning was in place for Westmoreland County.
Read more »
Update: Damaging winds predicted with thunderstorms in Greene County SundayOn Sunday at 4:45 p.m. an updated severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until 5:30 p.m. for Greene County.
Read more »
Update: Anticipate damaging winds with thunderstorms in Lancaster County SundayOn Sunday at 4:49 p.m. the National Weather Service released an updated severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 5:15 p.m. for Lancaster County.
Read more »