Weather warning for thunderstorms in New York Monday afternoon

The National Weather Service issued a thunderstorm warning for Yates, Seneca, Cayuga, Steuben, Schuyler, Chemung, Tompkins and Tioga counties at 12:05 p.m. Monday until 1:15 p.m.

“Gusty showers and storms west of I-81 will continue their rapid eastward track across Central NY. Strong to severe storms are expected to develop during the afternoon and persist into the late evening. The main hazards will be wind gusts over 60 mph and hail. The possibility of an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out,” the weather service said.

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Safety recommendations from experts

Lightning strikes occur about 25 million times each year in the United States, with the majority of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning strikes claim the lives of about 20 people each year, according to the Weather Service. The risk of lightning strikes increases as thunderstorms approach, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. However, it gradually subsides as the storm recedes.

To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, follow these recommendations:

1. Lightning protection plan:

• If you are outdoors, it is important to have a lightning protection plan.
• Stay alert by watching the skies for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it is a clear sign of lightning nearby.
• Immediately seek shelter in a safe place, 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.
• Even when a thunderstorm appears to be over, lightning can still strike, 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, vigilance and preparation are your best allies when you are at risk of being struck by lightning. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning accidents and put your safety first.

Navigating in heavy rain: Important safety measures for wet roads

Heavy rains can cause flooding if they last for a long time or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be due to saturated soil and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these weather service recommendations to stay safe during heavy rain:

Be careful with fast water flow:

• 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:

• Follow the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds to compensate for reduced traction and braking.

Slow down and be careful:

• On wet roads, it is extremely important to slow down. Ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane carefully:

• On multi-lane roads, stay in the middle lane to minimize the risk of aquaplaning, as water tends to collect in the outer lanes.

Visibility is important:

• Improve your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Pay particular attention to vehicles in your blind spot, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Be careful on slippery roads:

• During the first half hour of rain, the roads are at their 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 with tire spray. Avoid following them too closely and overtake them quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

• Overloaded wiper blades can reduce visibility. If rain severely reduces 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.