Prepare for severe thunderstorms in eastern Curry County, Josephine County and Jackson County Monday night

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service at 6:01 p.m. Monday for severe thunderstorms through 6:45 p.m. for eastern Curry County, Josephine County and Jackson County.

Residents can expect wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 6 p.m., Doppler radar detected a severe thunderstorm near Williams, 10 miles south of Grants Pass. The thunderstorm was nearly stationary,” the weather service said. “Wind gusts could cause tree limbs to fall and surround loose objects.”

Areas affected by the alert include Grants Pass, Rogue River, Cathedral Hills Trails, Schroeder Park, Griffin Park, Valley Of The Rogue State Park, Tom Pearce Park, Redwood, Whitehorse Park, Harbeck-Fruitdale, Provolt, Wilderville and Murphy.

The weather service says: “If you are outside, consider taking shelter inside 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, keep these recommendations in mind:

Lightning Safety Plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it is essential to have a clear plan for seeking shelter in the event of lightning.
• Watch the sky for signs of danger and listen for thunder. If you hear thunder, it is an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Quickly seek shelter in a safe place, preferably indoors.

Safety measures inside:

• Once inside, avoid using landline phones, electrical appliances, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
• Lightning can follow conductive paths and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

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 transmitting 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, 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.

Mastering Wet Roads: Safety Tips for Heavy Rain

Heavy rains can cause flooding if they are prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be caused by saturated soil and/or the intensity of the rainfall. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe during heavy rain:

Beware of flooded 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:

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 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 to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. The outside lanes are more prone to water accumulation.

Prioritize visibility

Turn on your headlights and watch out for other vehicles behind you and in blind spots, as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

Beware of slippery roads:

The first half hour of rain is when the roads are most slippery due to a mixture of rain, dirt and oil. Be especially careful during this time.

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 you have no choice but to pull over to the side of the road, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond the guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your location.

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

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.