At 8:01 p.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning that was in effect for Baldwin County until 8:30 p.m.

The storms could bring wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour and penny-sized hail (0.75 inches).

“At 8:01 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located 4 miles east of Point Clear and was moving east at a speed of 25 miles per hour,” the weather service said. “Expect damage to roofs, siding and trees.”

Locations affected by the warning include Summerdale, Robertsdale, Fairhope, Point Clear and Silverhill.

The weather service states: “A tornado warning is in effect for southwest Alabama until 2 a.m. To protect yourself, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. This storm will produce torrential rain, which could lead to flash flooding. “Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roads.”

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: safety recommendations from experts

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 protect yourself during 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.
• 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.
• 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 outside 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. While water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, preparation and vigilance are your best allies when faced with the threat of lightning. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Coping with Heavy Rain: Important Safety Measures for Wet Roads

When heavy rain begins, the risk of flooding and dangerous driving conditions increases. Whether it’s persistent rainfall or rapid runoff, it’s important to be prepared. To ensure you stay safe in heavy rain, here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service:

Beware of rapid water flow:

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.

Slow down 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 turning on your headlights. Be aware 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.

During heavy rain, these precautions can go a long way toward ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to keep up to date with weather conditions and follow advice from local authorities to ensure a safe journey.

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