Update: Pea-sized hail is expected with thunderstorms to hit Henry County on Wednesday

The National Weather Service issued an updated weather alert at 14.59 Wednesday for severe thunderstorms until 3:45 p.m. for Henry County.

Be prepared for pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts up to 40 mph.

“At 2:58 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a severe thunderstorm over Georgetown moving east at 25 mph,” the weather service said. “Gusty winds can topple tree limbs and blow around precarious objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations affected by the warning include Georgetown, Cuthbert, Wire Bridge, Walter F George Lake, Bonapartes Retreat, Standleys Store, Watson Crossroads, Scottsboro Crossroads, Double Bridges, Crossroads, Ricks Place, Thomas Mill Creek, Hatcher, Morris, Bethel , Springvale, Cotton Hill, Days Crossroads, Springvale Station and Otho.

The weather service adds, “If you are outdoors, consider taking shelter inside a building. This storm may intensify, so be sure to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.”

Protect yourself from lightning strikes: Expert safety guidelines

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the majority of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms approach, reaching their peak when the storm looms directly overhead. However, it gradually diminishes as the storm moves away.

To guarantee your safety in the middle of a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:

Lightning Safety Plan:

• When venturing into the great outdoors, it’s important to establish a clear plan for taking shelter in the event of a lightning strike.
• Stay alert by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder can be heard, it is a clear indication of lightning nearby.
• Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoor Safety Precautions:

• Once you’ve taken shelter indoors, refrain from using corded telephones, electrical appliances or plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive paths.

Wait for everything to clear:

• After the last lightning or thunderstorm, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• Lightning can strike even when a storm has apparently passed, so be careful.

When indoor shelter is not available:

If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops or ridges as they expose you to a greater risk of lightning.
• Avoid tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you are with a group, make sure people are spread out to prevent lightning current from being transferred between people.
• Camping in an open environment during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, camp in a valley, ravine or other low-lying area. It is crucial to note that a tent does not provide any protection against lightning strikes.
• Avoid approaching bodies of water, wet objects or metal objects. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.

Navigating in Heavy Rain: Essential Safety Precautions for Wet Roads

When heavy rains pour, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads increases. Here’s your guide from the Weather Service to staying safe during downpours:

Watch out for swollen streams:

In heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where fast-moving water can pose a serious hazard.

Observe safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to keep a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an additional two seconds in heavy rain.

Reduce speed and drive carefully:

On wet roads, slowing down is essential. Gradually release the accelerator and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your course carefully:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of aquaplaning. Outer lanes are more likely to accumulate water.

Visibility Matters:

Improve your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Pay particular attention to vehicles in blind spots, as rain-stained windows can hide them.

Beware of slippery roads:

The first half hour of rain is when the roads are the slickest due to a mixture of rain, dirt and oil. Exercise extra caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Do not follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Also, be careful when you pass them; if you must pass, do it quickly and safely.

Take care of your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to subside. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

When stopping at the side of the road is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally outside guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your position.

By following these safety precautions, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rains pour down. Stay informed about weather conditions and listen to advice from local authorities to make your trip safe and sound.

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