Thunderstorms with pea-sized hail hit Oneida County on Sunday

The National Weather Service issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning for Oneida County at 2:36 a.m. Sunday until 3 a.m.

The storms can bring wind gusts of up to 55 miles per hour and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches).

“At 2:34 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Camden, moving east at 30 miles per hour,” the weather service said. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow over unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Places affected by the warning include Camden, Florence, Taberg, Point Rock and Glenmore.

The weather service comments: “If you are outdoors, seek shelter inside a building. This storm may intensify, so be sure to listen to local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible National Weather Service warnings.”

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:

• 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.
• 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.
• Lightning can follow conductive paths and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

3. Wait for the all-clear:

• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or thunder clap 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, 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.

Driving in heavy rain: safety tips for wet roads

Heavy rain increases the risk of flooding and dangerous roads. Here’s your weather service guide to staying safe during downpours:

Be careful with fast water flow:

• Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as fast-flowing water may sweep you away during heavy rain.

Keep the safety distance:

• Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you, and add an additional two seconds in heavy rain.

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 as water often collects in the outside lanes.

Visibility is important:

• In heavy rain, turn on your headlights to improve your visibility. Watch for vehicles in your blind spot as rain-smeared windows can obscure their view.

Be careful on slippery roads:

• Be especially careful in the first half hour after the rain starts. Dirt and oil on the road surface mix with water and make the road slippery.

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 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.