Locations affected by the warning include Americus, Andersonville, Friendship, Bumphead, New Era, La Crosse and Pennington.

The NWS comments: “For your protection, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”

Lightning on the horizon: Competent safety measures in the event of a thunderstorm

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year, with the majority of these electrical discharges occurring in the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 people each year, the NWS reports. The risk of lightning-related incidents increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly overhead. However, it will gradually subside as the storm subsides.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:

Lightning protection plan:

• If you venture outdoors, it is important to have a clear plan in place for seeking shelter in the event of lightning.

• Watch the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sounds of thunder. If thunder is heard, it is an indication that lightning is nearby.

• Immediately seek shelter in a safe place, preferably indoors.

Indoor safety measures:

• Once sheltered indoors, avoid using corded telephones, electrical appliances or plumbing fixtures and avoid being near windows and doors.

• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges because lightning can follow conductive paths.

Wait for the all-clear:

• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last strike of lightning or thunder before resuming outdoor activities.

• Lightning can strike even when a storm appears to be over. So be careful.

If covered accommodation is not available:

If you are outdoors during a thunderstorm and do not have access to covered shelter, take the following steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops or ridge crests as they are at greater risk of lightning.

• Stay away from tall, isolated trees and other conspicuous objects. In wooded areas, stay near lower stands of trees.

• If you are in a group, make sure there is enough distance between individuals to prevent lightning currents from being transmitted between people.

• Camping outdoors during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying area. It is important to note that a tent does not provide protection from lightning.

• Do not approach water, wet objects or metal objects. While water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In conclusion, alertness and preparedness are your best allies when faced with the threat of lightning. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning accidents and make your safety a priority.

Driving in the Rain: Safety Tips for Wet Roads

When it rains heavily, safety comes first. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the NWS to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Beware of rapid water flow:

Avoid parking or walking close to culverts or drainage ditches as the fast-flowing water during heavy rain may potentially sweep you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you, and allow two seconds longer in heavy rain.

Drive slower and more carefully:

If it is raining and the roads are wet, drive slower. Take your foot off the accelerator and let the speed gradually decrease. Never apply the brakes suddenly as this may cause the vehicle to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay in the middle lanes to minimize the risk of aquaplaning. The outer lanes are more prone to water accumulation.

Prioritize visibility

Improve your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant of vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Be careful of slippery roads:

Be particularly careful in the first half hour after the rain begins. Dirt and oil on the road surface mix with water and make the road slippery.

Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by the large tires impairs your visibility. Also be careful when passing; If you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can impair visibility. If rain severely limits your visibility, stop and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or sheltered areas.

If the side of the road is your only option, drive off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guardrail, and wait for the storm to pass. Keep your headlights on and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being during heavy rain. Stay informed about weather conditions and follow advice from local authorities to make your trip safe and enjoyable.

Source: The National Weather Service