Prepare for pea-sized hail and thunderstorms to hit Cattaraugus County on Tuesday

A report was issued by the National Weather Service Tuesday at 8:41 p.m. for severe thunderstorms through 9:15 p.m. for Cattaraugus County.

Be aware of pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts up to 40 mph.

“At 8:40 p.m., Doppler radar detected an area of ​​severe thunderstorms near Allegany State Park and Limestone, or near Olean, moving northeast at 10 mph,” the weather service said. “Wind gusts could cause tree limbs to fall and loose objects to be blown around. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”

Areas affected by the alert include Olean, Allegany State Park, Allegany, St. Bonaventure, Weston Mills, Hinsdale, Carrollton, Portville, Vandalia, Knapp Creek, Rock City Park, Limestone and Haskell Flats. This includes Interstate 86 near Exit 19 and between Exits 23 and 27.

According to the weather service, “if you are outside, consider taking shelter inside a building.”

Protecting yourself from lightning: safety tips from the 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.
• 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 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 individuals are spaced apart 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, 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 in heavy rain: essential safety measures on wet roads

In case of heavy rain, safety is paramount. Arm yourself with these instructions from the weather service to travel on wet roads and avoid dangers:

Beware of fast water flow:

Avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, as fast-flowing water during heavy rains can potentially carry you away.

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.

Slow down and drive carefully:

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 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.

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:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. Water spray from 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:

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 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.

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.