At 4:49 p.m. on Friday, the National Weather Service released an updated severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 5:15 p.m. for Beaver and Washington counties.
Update: Thunderstorms with damaging winds in Beaver and Washington counties Friday – wind gusts reaching 60 mphAt 4:49 p.m. on Friday, the National Weather Service released an updated severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 5:15 p.
m. for Beaver and Washington counties."At 4:49 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Toronto, or near Weirton, moving east at 25 mph," says the weather service. "Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees." Locations impacted by the warning include Weirton, Steubenville, Toronto, Wintersville, Follansbee, New Cumberland, Empire, Sun Valley, Colliers and East Steubenville. According to the weather service, "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, 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.Lightning safety plan: When venturing outdoors, it's vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning. 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.Once you're indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from 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.When indoor shelter isn't available: If you find yourself outdoors without 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 with a group, ensure individuals are spread 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 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: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.On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator 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.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.The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly 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. By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound. 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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