On Sunday at 12:01 a.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 12:30 a.m. for Chilton and Shelby counties.
Residents should prepare for wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
"At midnight, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Lake Purdy to near Vida Junction, moving east at 60 mph," says the weather service. "Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees."
Locations impacted by the warning include Hoover, Pelham, Leeds, Calera, Chelsea, Clanton, Childersburg, Columbiana, Jemison, Wilsonville, Indian Springs Village, Vincent, Thorsby, Harpersville, Westover, Billingsley, Gap Of The Mountain, Oak Mountain State Park, Vandiver and Verbena.
The weather service states, "A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 4 a.m. for central and east central Alabama. Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the basement or small central room in a sturdy structure. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building."
Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk 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 draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:
Lightning safety plan:
Indoors safety measures:
Wait for the all-clear:
When indoor shelter isn't available:
If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
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.
When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it's prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of rapid water flow:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.
Maintain safe driving distances:
The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.
Reduce speed and drive cautiously:
If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.
Prioritize visibility
Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey 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.