On Thursday at 5:13 p.m. an updated severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until 5:30 p.m. for Erie County.
Update: Damaging winds anticipated with thunderstorms in Erie County Thursday – gusts may reach 60 mphOn Thursday at 5:13 p.m. an updated severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until 5:30 p.
m. for Erie County."At 5:13 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Erie, moving northeast at 55 mph," according to the weather service. "Expect damage to trees and power lines." Locations impacted by the warning include Erie, Girard, Northwest Harborcreek, Lawrence Park, Wesleyville, Lake City, Platea, Northwest Harborcr and Avonia. The weather service adds, "For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building."Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by 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 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. In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents 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: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.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.On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.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.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. 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.
@Exalerts Weather Alerts @Topstories
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.
Erie County Jail tackling substance abuse in facilityReporter at News 5 Cleveland
Read more »
Update: Thunderstorms with damaging winds and penny-sized hail in Bradford County TuesdayOn Tuesday at 2:08 p.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 2:30 p.m. for Bradford County.
Read more »
Law enforcement in Erie County will now have EpiPen KitsReporter at News 5 Cleveland
Read more »
Update: Thunderstorms with quarter-sized hail and damaging winds in Greene County SaturdayOn Saturday at 7:39 p.m. an updated severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until 8:45 p.m. for Greene County.
Read more »
Update: Damaging winds and penny-sized hail predicted with thunderstorms in Crawford and Erie counties MondayAn updated severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Monday at 5:46 p.m. in effect until 6:30 p.m. for Crawford and Erie counties.
Read more »
Crawford and Erie counties placed under a severe thunderstorm watch until Thursday eveningThe National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch at 1:22 p.m. on Thursday in effect until 7 p.m. for Crawford and Erie counties.
Read more »