Update: Thunderstorms with marble-sized hail in Oregon Lower Treasure Valley and Malheur County Friday

At 12:11 p.m. on Friday, the National Weather Service revised its weather notice for Oregon Lower Treasure Valley and Malheur County, predicting severe thunderstorms through 1 p.m.

Marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 mph are predicted.

“At 12:10 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a cluster of strong thunderstorms over Owyhee, or near Parma, moving northeast at 30 mph,” the weather service said. Gusty winds have the potential to blow around unsecured objects and topple tree branches. Visibilities are decreased in areas when dust is blowing. It is possible for outdoor items to sustain minor harm.

Strong thunderstorms are predicted in the following areas:

• 
  Nyssa around 12:20 p.m.
  
• 
  New Plymouth around 12:30 p.m.
  

According to the weather service, “If you’re outside, think about taking cover inside a building.” Alongside this storm is torrential rain, which could cause localized flooding. Avoid operating a car on flooded roads.

Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice

Approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States annually, with the majority of these electrical discharges taking place in the summer. Unfortunately, according to the weather service, lightning kills roughly 20 people every year. As thunderstorms approach, the likelihood of lightning-related incidents increases, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. But as the tempest sweeps away, it gradually fades away.

In order to ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following suggestions:

Plan for lightning safety:

• 
  When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
  
• 
  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:

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  Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
  
• 
  Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.
  

Hold off till the all-clear:

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  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, which 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.

Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain

There is a greater chance of floods and dangerous roadways when it rains a lot. The weather service has provided the following advice to help you keep safe during downpours:

Watch out for swift water flow:

When it rains a lot, stay clear from parking or strolling near culverts or drainage ditches since the swift-moving water could carry you away.

Keep your distances from other vehicles safe:

To keep a safe following distance behind the car in front of you, follow the two-second rule. To account for decreased traction and braking efficiency in heavy weather, give yourself an extra two seconds.

Slow down and drive carefully:

Reduce your speed if it’s raining and the roads are wet. Reduce your speed gently by taking your foot off the accelerator. Never apply the brakes abruptly since this could cause the vehicle to slide.

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 hide cars in blind zones, so be cautious.

Be cautious on slick roads:

Because of a combination of rain, oil, and grime, roadways are at their slickest during the first 30 minutes of precipitation. Be especially careful during this time.

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 makes it very difficult to see, stop and wait for the weather to clear up. Look for cover in covered areas or rest areas.

Position your car as far off the road as you can, preferably beyond guardrails, if stopping by the side of the road is your only choice. To let other cars know where you are, turn on your emergency flashers and keep your headlights on.

You may greatly lower dangers and protect your health when it rains a lot by adhering to these safety precautions. To ensure a safe and sound voyage, 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.

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