Prepare for damaging winds and quarter-sized hail, with thunderstorms in central North Carolina on Tuesday

On Tuesday at 5:39 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a severe weather warning, valid until 6:30 p.m. The warning applies to Davidson, Montgomery, Randolph and Stanly counties.

The storms can bring hailstones the size of quarters (1 inch) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

“At 5:39 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was identified near High Rock Lake, 10 miles northwest of Badin Lake, moving east at 20 mph,” the NWS explains. “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding and trees.”

Places affected by the warning include Badin Lake, Badin, Denton, Richfield, New London, Eldorado, Fish Tales Marina, High Rock Lake, Whip-O-Will Campground and Newsom.

According to the NWS, “For your protection, move to an indoor location on the lowest floor of a building. Immediately prepare for heavy hail and deadly cloud-to-ground lightning strikes. Seek shelter in a sturdy building. Stay away from windows.”

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Safety recommendations from experts

Lightning strikes occur about 25 million times each year in the United States, with the majority of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning strikes claim the lives of about 20 people each year, according to the NWS. The risk of lightning strikes increases as thunderstorms approach, peaking when the storm is directly in the sky. However, it gradually subsides as the storm recedes.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, follow these recommendations:

Lightning protection plan:

• If you are outdoors, it is important to have a lightning protection plan.
• 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:

• Avoid using corded telephones, electrical appliances or plumbing indoors and stay away from 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.

Driving in heavy rain: safety tips for wet roads

During heavy rain, safety is paramount. Use these guidelines from the NWS to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Be careful in case of flooding:

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

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:

On wet roads, it is extremely important to slow down. Ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.

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.

Prioritize visibility

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 of slippery roads:

During the first half hour of rain, the roads are 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.

Source: National Weather Service