Prepare for high winds and thunderstorms to hit Wyoming County on Thursday

On Thursday at 3:49 p.m., a severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service, in effect until 4:30 p.m. for Wyoming County.

Residents should prepare for wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

“At 3:49 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was observed over Forkston, 10 miles west of Tunkhannock, moving southeast at 20 mph,” the weather service said. “Damage to roofs, siding and trees is expected.”

Areas affected by the warning include Falls, Vernon, Tunkhannock, Noxen, Mehoopany, Forkston, Kasson Brook, Osterhout, Evans Falls and Beaumont.

The weather service says, “Stay alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado, immediately move to a basement or small central room of a sturdy structure. For your protection, move to an interior room on the ground floor of a building.”

Preparing for imminent lightning strikes: Safety recommendations 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 thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:

Lightning Safety Plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it is essential to have a lightning safety plan in place.
• Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for any 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.

Safety measures inside:

• Once inside, avoid using landline phones, electrical appliances, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from 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 outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, follow these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops or ridges, which put you at higher 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 that individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open area during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no other choice, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying area. It is important to note that a tent does not provide any protection from lightning.
• Stay away from bodies of water, wet objects, or metal objects. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they are efficient conductors of electricity and can pose significant risks.

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

Rainy roads ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain

Rain can make roads dangerous. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to stay safe during heavy rain:

Beware of fast water flow:

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

Maintain safe driving distances:

Follow the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an extra two seconds of following distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking efficiency.

Slow down and drive carefully:

On wet roads, it is essential to slow down. Gradually release the accelerator and avoid sudden braking to avoid skidding.

Choose your path wisely:

Stay in 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. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-stained windows can obscure them.

Beware of slippery roads:

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

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility due to tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

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

If the side of the road is your only option, pull over as far away as possible, preferably beyond the end of a guardrail, and wait out the storm. Keep your headlights on and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your location.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risks and ensure your well-being in the event of heavy rain. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed the advice of local authorities to ensure your safety during your trip.

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.