The National Weather Service issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning for Henry County at 2:59 p.m. Wednesday until 3:45 p.m.

Be prepared for pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts up to 40 mph.

“At 2:58 p.m., Doppler radar detected a strong thunderstorm over Georgetown moving east at 25 miles per hour,” the weather service said. “Gusty winds could knock down branches and blow over unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations affected by the warning include Georgetown, Cuthbert, Wire Bridge, Walter F. George Lake, Bonaparte’s Retreat, Standleys Store, Watson Crossroads, Scottsboro Crossroads, Double Bridges, Crossroads, Ricks Place, Thomas Mill Creek, Hatcher, Morris, Bethel , Springvale, Cotton Hill, Days Crossroads, Springvale Station and Otho.

The weather service adds: “If you are outdoors, you should consider seeking shelter indoors. This storm may intensify. Therefore, be sure to monitor local radio stations and available television channels for further information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.”

Protect Yourself from Approaching Lightning: Expert Safety Guidelines

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 in the midst of a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:

Lightning protection plan:

• When heading outdoors, it is important to have a clear plan in place for seeking shelter in the event of lightning.
• 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.
• Find safe shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoor safety measures:

• Once you have 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 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 traveling with a group, make sure that individuals are spread out 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. Although 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

Heavy rain increases the risk of flooding and dangerous roads. Here’s your guide from the Weather Service on how to stay safe when it rains:

Beware of swelling waterways:

During heavy rain, you should avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches as fast-moving water can pose a major hazard.

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.

Reduce speed and drive carefully:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. To prevent skidding, gradually ease off the accelerator pedal and avoid sudden braking.

Choose your lane wisely:

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

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:

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:

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 you can only stop on the side of the road, position your vehicle as far away from the road as possible, ideally outside the guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate 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.