Weather warning for severe thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon in Franklin County

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Franklin County at 10:50 a.m. on Sunday until 11:15 a.m.

Residents could face wind gusts of up to 30 miles per hour.

“At 10:50 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Red Bay, moving southeast at 25 miles per hour,” the weather service explains. “Gusty winds could tear down tree limbs and blow over unsecured objects.”

Places affected by the warning include Red Bay, Vina, Hodges, Atwood and Halltown.

The weather service adds: “This storm will also produce torrential rain, which may cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Cloud-to-ground lightning strikes are common during this storm. Lightning can strike as far away as 10 miles from a thunderstorm. Seek safe shelter in a building or vehicle.”

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 ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, follow these recommendations:

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.

Indoor safety measures:

• If you have found shelter in a building, refrain from using corded telephones, electrical appliances or plumbing and do not approach windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive paths.

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 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.
• Camping outdoors during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no other options, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying area. It is important to note 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.

Rain showers on the roads: Important safety tips for heavy rain

Heavy rains can cause flooding if they last for a long time or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated soil and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these weather service recommendations 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:

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.

Reduce speed and drive carefully:

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

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:

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 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:

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 severely reduces your visibility, pull over to the side of the road and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or sheltered areas.

If you can only stop at the side of the road, position your vehicle as far from the road as possible, ideally behind guard rails. Leave your headlights on and activate 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.