Anticipate marble-sized hail with thunderstorms in Wallowa County Sunday – winds gusting up to 40 mph

At 5:02 p.m. on Sunday, the National Weather Service reported that Wallowa County would get heavy thunderstorms through 5:45 p.m.

Prepare for up to 40 mph wind gusts and hail the size of marbles (0.5 inches).

“At 5:02 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Imnaha, or 20 miles northeast of Enterprise, moving northeast at 10 mph,” according to the weather service. Gusty winds have the potential to blow around unsecured objects and topple tree branches. There is a chance of minor hail damage to vegetation.

Imnaha is the target of the alert.

“If outside, consider seeking shelter inside a building,” the weather agency advises. Alongside this storm is torrential rain, which could cause localized flooding. Avoid operating a car on flooded roads.

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

Approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States annually, most of which take place in the summer. The weather service reports that lightning is the cause of death for about 20 persons each year. As thunderstorms get closer, the risk of lightning increases; it peaks when the storm is directly overhead and then progressively decreases as it passes.

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

Plan for lightning safety:

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  When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
  
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  Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
  
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  Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.
  

Indoor safety precautions:

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  Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
  
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  These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.
  

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.
  
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  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 indoor shelter:

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  Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
  
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  Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
  
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  If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
  
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  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.
  
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  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:

In heavy rain, the two-second rule of following distance is your friend. To guarantee safe spacing under unfavorable circumstances, increase it to four seconds.

Slow down and drive carefully:

Lowering your speed is essential on wet roads. To prevent skidding, gently release the gas pedal and refrain from applying sudden braking.

Pick your lane carefully:

Water tends to pool in the outside lanes, so stick to the central ones.

Put visibility first.

As rain-spattered windows make it more difficult to see other vehicles, turn on your headlights and pay attention to those in blind spots and behind you.

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.

If you can’t avoid the roadside, pull off as far as you can, ideally past the end of a guard rail, and wait for the storm to pass. To let other cars know where you are, turn on your emergency flashers and keep your headlights on.

Taking these safety measures will significantly improve your road safety while it’s raining a lot. For a safe trip, 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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