Update: Thunderstorms with damaging winds in Walker and Winston counties Saturday

Saturday at 11:05 p.m., the National Weather Service issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 11:15 p.m. for Walker and Winston counties.

Residents should prepare for wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

“At 11:04 p.m., severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Moulton to near Smith Lake to near West Jefferson, moving northeast at 60 mph,” the weather service said. “Expect damage to roofs, siding and trees.”

Locations affected by the warning include Jasper, Sumiton, Cordova, Dora, Arley, Parrish, Addison, Sipsey, West Jefferson, Curry, Gorgas Steam Plant, Smith Dam, Nesmith, Brushy Lake, Burnwell, Falls City, Beloit, Quinton , Moreland and Smith Lake.

The weather service comments: “A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 4 a.m. for central, northwest and west central Alabama. Be aware of a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado, leave immediately into the basement or small central room of a sturdy structure For your protection, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”

When lightning threatens: Expert safety tips for thunderstorms

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for killing about 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms approach, peaks when the storm is directly overhead, and gradually diminishes as it moves away.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:

Lightning Safety Plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it is crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
• 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 shelter immediately in a safe place, 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.
• Lightning can follow conductive paths, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

Wait for everything to clear:

• After the last lightning or thunderstorm, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm appears to be over, 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 that expose you to a greater risk of lightning.
• Avoid tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested 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, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Navigating in Heavy Rain: Essential Safety Precautions for Wet Roads

When heavy rain hits, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these weather service guidelines to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Watch out for fast water flow:

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.

Slow down 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:

Stay towards the middle lanes – water tends to collect in the outside lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles behind and in blind spots, as they are especially difficult to see through rain-splattered windows.

Beware of slippery roads:

Be extra careful in the first half hour after the rain starts. Dirt and oil on the road surface is mixed with water to make the road smooth.

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:

Overloaded wiper blades can obstruct visibility. If rain severely restricts your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge in rest areas or protected places.

If the roadside is your only option, pull as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guardrail, and wait for the storm to pass. Keep your headlights on and flash your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your position.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to keep informed of the weather conditions and follow the instructions of the local authorities for a safe journey.

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.