At 4:27 p.m. on Sunday, the National Weather Service issued an updated forecast for Mobile County that called for heavy thunderstorms until 5 p.m.
Pea-sized (0.25-inch) hail and wind gusts of up to 50 mph are likely.
“A powerful thunderstorm was detected by Doppler radar at 4:27 p.m., 12 miles southeast of Lucedale and 4 miles southwest of Wilmer. According to the weather service, this storm was almost stationary. Gusty winds have the potential to blow around unsecured objects and topple tree branches. It is possible for outdoor items to sustain minor harm.
Wilmer is the target of the alert.
According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”
Lightning on the horizon: Expert safety measures for thunderstorms
Approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States annually, most of which take place in the summer. The weather service reports that lightning is the cause of death for about 20 persons each year. As thunderstorms get closer, the risk of lightning increases; it peaks when the storm is directly overhead and then progressively decreases as it passes.
Think about the following suggestions to make sure you’re safe during a thunderstorm.:
Plan for lightning safety:
-
When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
-
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
-
Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.
Indoor safety precautions:
-
Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
-
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.
Hold off till the all-clear:
-
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
-
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.
When there is no indoor shelter:
Take these precautions to increase your safety if you are outside during a thunderstorm without access to inside shelter:
-
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
-
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
-
If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
-
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
-
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In conclusion, being alert and ready are your best defenses against lightning threats. You may put your safety first and drastically lower the likelihood of lightning-related mishaps by adhering to these rules.
Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads
If heavy rainfall persists or if runoff is substantial, flooding may result. Saturated soils and/or heavy rainfall can cause excessive runoff. To keep safe during periods of intense rain, heed these weather service recommendations:
Watch out for swift water flow:
Avoid parking or strolling close to drainage ditches or culverts during periods of intense rain, since the swift-moving water can be quite dangerous.
Keep your distances from other vehicles safe:
In heavy rain, the two-second rule of following distance is your friend. To guarantee safe spacing under unfavorable circumstances, increase it to four seconds.
Reduce your speed and drive carefully:
It’s crucial to slow down on wet roads. To avoid sliding, reduce the accelerator gradually and don’t brake suddenly.
Pick your lane carefully:
To reduce the chance of hydroplaning, stay in the middle lanes. Water is more likely to accumulate in outside lanes.
Put visibility first.
Turn on your headlights to improve visibility in severe rain. Rain-stained windows can make it difficult to see cars in blind zones, so be especially alert for them.
Be cautious on slick roads:
During the first half hour after the rain starts, exercise additional caution. The road becomes slick when water combines with dirt and oil on the surface.
Stay a safe distance away from big cars:
Avoid following buses or big vehicles too closely. Their big tires produce a mist that blurs your eyesight. Additionally, be cautious when passing them; if you have to, pass swiftly and securely.
Be mindful of your wipers:
Visibility may be hampered by overloaded wiper blades. If the rain significantly impairs your vision, stop and wait for the weather to clear up. Seek cover in safe spaces or rest zones.
If you can’t avoid the roadside, pull off as far as you can, ideally past the end of a guard rail, and wait for the storm to pass. To let other cars know where you are, turn on your emergency flashers and keep your headlights on.
Taking these safety measures will significantly improve your road safety while it’s raining a lot. For a safe trip, keep yourself updated on weather conditions and follow local authorities’ instructions.
United Robots offers a service called Advance Local Weather Alerts that gathers the most recent information from the National Weather Service using machine learning.
