At 9:29 p.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning that was in effect for Fayette and Marion counties until 10:45 p.m.

Residents can expect wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour.

“At 9:28 p.m., there were severe thunderstorms along a line extending from near Mantachie to near Millport, moving northeast at a speed of 55 miles per hour,” the weather service said. “Expect significant tree damage. Damage to mobile homes, roofs and outbuildings is likely.”

Locations affected by the warning include Hamilton, Winfield, Fayette, Haleyville, Guin, Hackleburg, Berry, Brilliant, Glen Allen, Belk, Gu-Win, Bankston, Weston, Bluff, Boley Springs, Brinn, Lake Buttahatchee, Bear Creek, Twin and Tucker.

The Weather Service comments: “For your protection, move to an indoor area on the lowest floor of a building. Intense thunderstorm lines can produce brief tornadoes and significant wind damage over a large area. Although a tornado is not immediately likely, it is best to move into an interior space on the lowest floor of a building. These storms can cause serious injuries and significant property damage. A tornado warning remains in effect for central, northwest and west-central Alabama.

When lightning threatens: expert safety tips for thunderstorms

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 weather service 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:

• When heading outdoors, it’s important to have a lightning protection plan.
• Stay alert by watching the sky for threatening signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is heard, it is a clear sign of lightning 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.
• Lightning can follow conductive paths and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

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 have passed. So be careful.

If covered accommodation is not available:

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

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge tops as these places you at a higher 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.

Coping with Heavy Rain: Important Safety Measures for Wet Roads

When it rains heavily, safety comes first. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the Weather Service 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:

The two-second rule of maintaining distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend the time to four seconds to ensure a safe distance in adverse conditions.

Slow down and stay careful:

It is important to reduce speed on wet roads. To prevent skidding, ease off the accelerator pedal slowly and avoid sudden braking.

Choose your lane wisely:

On multi-lane roads, stay in the middle lanes to minimize the risk of aquaplaning, as water often accumulates in the outer lanes.

Visibility is important:

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:

During the first half hour of rain, the roads are most slippery due to a mix of rain, dirt and oil. Be particularly careful during this time.

Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can obscure your visibility from tire spray. Avoid traffic jams and pass through them quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. If visibility is so limited that the sides of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen from a safe distance, it’s time to stop and wait for the rain to let up. It’s best to stop at rest areas or other protected 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.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots that uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.