Update: Be prepared for strong thunderstorms in parts of Pennsylvania through early Monday

The National Weather Service issued an updated weather warning at 11:50 PM Sunday for strong thunderstorms through 12:45 AM Monday for Mercer, Lawrence, Butler and Beaver counties.

“At 11:50 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 9 miles south of Farrell, or 10 miles northwest of New Castle, moving east at 25 mph,” the weather service said. “Gusty winds can knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations affected by the warning include New Castle, Grove City, Ellwood City, Homeacre-Lyndora, Shanor-Northvue, Meridian, Slippery Rock, Meadowood, New Wilmington, Oak Hills, Oakwood, New Castle Northwest, New Beaver, Pulaski, Nixon, Ellport, Prospect, Bessemer, New Bedford and Harrisville.

The weather service notes: “Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening weather conditions.”

Preparing for approaching lightning: expert safety advice

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times per year, with the majority of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 people each year, the weather service reports. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms approach and reaches its peak when the storm looms directly overhead. However, it gradually retreats as the storm dissipates.

Keep these recommendations in mind to ensure your safety during a thunderstorm:

Lightning Safety Plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it is critical that you have a clear plan for seeking shelter in the event of lightning.
• Stay vigilant by watching the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is heard, this is a clear indication of lightning nearby.
• Find a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoor safety measures:

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

Wait until everything is clear:

• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or thunder before resuming outdoor activities.
• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm appears to have passed, so be careful.

If no covered shelter is available:

If you are outside during a thunderstorm and do not have access to indoor shelter, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops or ridges as these expose you to a greater risk of lightning strikes.
• Stay away from tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower trees.
• If you are in a group, make sure people are spread out to prevent lightning current from being transferred between people.
• Camping in an open area during thunderstorms is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent does not provide 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 effectively and can pose significant risks.

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

Navigating Rainy Roads: Wet Weather Safety Tips

When heavy rain falls, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads increases. Here’s your weather service guide to staying safe during rainstorms:

Beware of swollen waterways:

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

Maintain safe driving distances:

The two-second distance tracking rule is your ally in heavy rain. Extend this to four seconds to ensure a safe distance under adverse conditions.

Slow down and drive carefully:

If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and gradually decrease your speed. Never suddenly apply the brakes as this may cause the car to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay in the center lanes to minimize the risk of aquaplaning. Outer lanes are more susceptible to water accumulation.

Visibility is important:

Improve your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be especially vigilant of 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 at their most slippery due to a mixture of rain, dirt and oil. Be extra careful during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Do not 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 obscure vision. If rain severely obscures your visibility, stop and wait for conditions to improve. Take refuge in rest areas or sheltered areas.

If the shoulder is your only option, get as far away as possible, preferably past the end of a guardrail, and wait for the storm to pass. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to inform other drivers of your position.

In heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay aware of weather conditions and follow local authority guidelines for a safe trip.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots, which uses machine learning to gather the latest data from the National Weather Service.