Prepare for severe thunderstorms in Henry County Sunday afternoon

The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 1:30 p.m. Sunday for severe thunderstorms through 2 p.m. for Henry County.

Residents can expect wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 1:29 p.m., Doppler radar detected a severe thunderstorm near Richards Crossroads, 7 miles north of Abbeville, moving east at 5 mph,” the weather service said. “Wind gusts could cause tree limbs to fall and loose objects to fly.”

Areas affected by the alert include Abbeville, Fort Gaines, Days Crossroads, Shorterville, Walter F. George Lock And Dam, Walter F George Lake, Standleys Store, Otho, Watson Crossroads, Scottsboro Crossroads, Double Bridges, Moores Crossroads, Ricks Place, Graball, Screamer, Coates, Bagby State Park, Thomas Mill Creek, Lawrenceville and Abbeville Municipal A/P.

According to the weather service, “If you are outside, consider taking shelter inside a building. Heavy rains are also occurring with this storm and may cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle on flooded roads. Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles (16 km) from a thunderstorm. Seek safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”

Lightning on the horizon: Experts’ safety measures in case of thunderstorms

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, keep these recommendations in mind:

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.
• Quickly seek shelter in a safe place, preferably indoors.

Safety measures inside:

• 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.
• It is important to remember that 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 as these put you at a higher risk of lightning strikes.
• 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.

Driving on Rainy Roads: Wet Weather Safety Tips

Heavy rains can increase the risk of flooding and dangerous roads. Here’s the weather service’s guide to staying safe during downpours:

Beware of fast water flow:

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

Maintain safe driving distances:

The two-second rule for safe distance is your friend in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure a safe distance in adverse conditions.

Slow down and stay safe:

On wet roads, it is essential to reduce your speed. Gradually release the accelerator pedal and avoid sudden braking to avoid skidding.

Choose your path wisely:

Stay in the middle lanes: water tends to collect in the outside lanes.

Prioritize visibility

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.

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:

Heavy rain can overload windshield wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to stop. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected 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 follow the advice of local authorities to ensure your trip is safe and secure.

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.