Expect pea-sized hail with thunderstorms in Warren and McKean counties on Sunday

An updated National Weather Service report was issued at 7:01 p.m. on Sunday, predicting severe thunderstorms in Warren and McKean counties until 7:30 p.m.

Wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) are expected.

“At 7:01 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from Salamanca to 10 miles west of Warren, moving southeast at 45 miles per hour,” the weather service explains. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow over unsecured objects.”

Places affected by the warning include Warren, Bradford, Allegany State Park, Sheffield, Youngsville, Wetmore, Russell, Rew, Scandia, Cyclone, Ludlow, Marshburg, Westline, Warren South, Kinzua Dam, Chapman State Park, Garland, Eldred, Lewis Run and Starbrick.

The weather service comments: “If you are outdoors, seek shelter in a building.”

When lightning threatens: Safety tips from experts during thunderstorms

In the United States, lightning strikes occur approximately 25 million times each year, with most of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, according to the National Weather Service, approximately 20 people are killed by lightning each year. The danger from lightning increases as thunderstorms approach, reaching its peak when the storm is directly overhead and gradually diminishing as it moves away.

To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, follow these recommendations:

1. Lightning protection plan:

• When you are outdoors, it is important to have a clear plan for seeking shelter in the event of a lightning strike.
• Watch the sky for ominous signs and listen for sounds of thunder. If thunder is heard, it is an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Find a safe shelter, preferably indoors.

2. Indoor safety measures:

• Avoid using corded telephones, electrical appliances or plumbing indoors and stay away from windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive paths.

3. Wait for the all-clear:

• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or clap of thunder before resuming outdoor activities.
• Remember that lightning can still strike even after a storm appears to have passed, so be careful.

If no shelter is available in the house:

If you are outdoors during a thunderstorm and do not have access to shelter, take the following steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops or mountain ridges where the risk of lightning strikes is greater.
• Stay away from tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you are traveling in a group, make sure that everyone is spread out to prevent lightning current from being transmitted between people.
• It is strongly discouraged to camp outdoors during a thunderstorm. If there is no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine or other low area. Remember that a tent does not provide protection from lightning strikes.
• Do not approach bodies of water, wet objects, or metal objects. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they are good conductors of electricity and can pose significant risks.

In summary, preparation and vigilance are your best allies when you are at risk of being struck by lightning. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of being struck by lightning and put your safety first.

Navigating in heavy rain: Important safety measures for wet roads

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

Be careful in case of flooding:

• During heavy rain, do not park or walk near culverts or drainage ditches as fast-flowing water can pose a great danger.

Keep the safety distance:

• In heavy rain, the two-second following rule is helpful. Increase it to four seconds to ensure a safe following distance in adverse conditions.

Slow down and be careful:

• When it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and reduce the speed gradually. Never brake suddenly, otherwise the car may skid.

Choose your lane carefully:

• Stay in the middle lanes to minimize the risk of aquaplaning. More water can collect in the outer lanes.

Prioritize visibility

• Turn on your headlights and watch for other vehicles behind you and in your blind spot, as they are particularly difficult to see through rain-soaked windows.

Be careful on slippery roads:

• During the first half hour of rain, 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:

• Do not drive too close behind large trucks or buses. The spray created by their large tires will limit your visibility. Also be careful when overtaking; if you must overtake, do so quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

• Overloaded wiper blades can reduce visibility. If rain is severely affecting your visibility, pull over to the side of the road and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or places sheltered from the wind.
• If the side of the road is your only option, pull over as far as possible, preferably to the end of a guardrail, and wait for the storm to pass. Keep your headlights on and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to your position.

In heavy rain, these precautions can go a long way to keeping you safe on the road. Remember to check weather conditions and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure a safe journey.

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