New York Weather: Be prepared for severe thunderstorms in Wyoming County through 1:45 a.m. Sunday

A report from the National Weather Service was issued at 1:01 a.m. Sunday for strong thunderstorms until 1:45 a.m. for Wyoming County.

Residents can expect wind gusts up to 50 mph.

“At 1 a.m., Doppler radar detected a severe thunderstorm near Varysburg, 9 miles southeast of Darien Lakes State Park, moving east at 35 mph,” the weather service said. “Wind gusts could cause tree limbs to fall and loose objects to fly.”

Locations affected by the alert include Perry, Warsaw, Bennington, Attica, Varysburg, Sheldon, Covington, Wyoming, Silver Lake, Orangeville Center, Dale and Perry Center.

The weather service says: “If you are outside, consider taking shelter in a building. Heavy rain is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Radar is used to seeing this storm produce an inch of rain in less than an hour. Do not drive your vehicle on flooded roads. This storm has the potential to intensify, so be sure to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.”

Protect yourself from approaching lightning: safety instructions from experts

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year, with most of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning kills about 20 people each year, according to the weather service. The risk of lightning incidents increases as thunderstorms approach, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. However, it gradually decreases as the storm moves away.

To ensure your safety during a storm, keep these recommendations in mind:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it is essential to have a lightning protection plan in place.
• Stay alert by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it is a clear indication that lightning is nearby.
• Find a safe place to take shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoor safety measures:

• Once you have found shelter indoors, refrain from using landline phones, electrical appliances or plumbing fixtures, and avoid going near windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, because lightning can follow conductive paths.

Wait for the green light:

• After the last lightning or thunder strike, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• Lightning can strike even when a storm appears to have passed, so be careful.

When indoor shelter is not available:

If you find yourself outside without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, follow these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops or ridges, as they put you at greater risk of lightning.
• Avoid large, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower trees.
• If you are in a group, make sure individuals are spaced apart to prevent lightning current from being transmitted between people.
• Camping in the open during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If there is no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine or other low-lying area. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach bodies of water, wet objects or metal objects. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity efficiently and can pose significant risks.

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

Driving on rainy roads: rainy weather safety tips

Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of swollen waterways:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where flowing water can pose a serious hazard.

Maintain safe driving distances:

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.

Reduce speed and drive carefully:

If it’s raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed gradually decrease. Never use the brakes abruptly as this could cause the car to skid.

Choose your path wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to collect in the outer lanes.

Visibility is important:

Improve your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Be especially vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-stained windows can obscure them.

Be careful of slippery roads:

The first half hour of rain is when roads are most slippery due to a mixture of rain, dirt and oil. Exercise extra caution during this time.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

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

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can impede visibility. If rain seriously affects your vision, stop and wait for conditions to improve. Take refuge in rest areas or sheltered places.

When stopping at the side of the road is your only option, position your vehicle as far from the road as possible, ideally beyond the guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate the hazard lights to alert other drivers of your location.

In heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in keeping you safe on the road. Remember to stay informed of weather conditions and follow advice from local authorities for safe travel.

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.