Update: Thunderstorms with pea-sized hail in Harney County Friday

At 3:05 p.m. on Friday, the National Weather Service issued an updated forecast for Harney County that called for heavy thunderstorms through 3:30 p.m.

Pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 55 mph are possible during the storms.

“At 3:05 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Battle Mountain, or 34 miles southeast of John Day, moving northeast at 25 mph,” according to the National Weather Service. 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.

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. This storm is causing frequent lightning strikes from the clouds to the ground. Ten miles can separate a thunderstorm from a lightning strike. Look for a secure place to hide inside a building or car.

When lightning looms: Expert safety tips for thunderstorms

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.

Remember the following advice to stay safe during a thunderstorm:

Plan for lightning safety:

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  When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
  
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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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  It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have 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:

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  Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which 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 with a group, ensure individuals are spread 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. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
  

In conclusion, readiness and alertness are your greatest allies while dealing with the threat of lightning. You may put your safety first and drastically lower the chance of lightning-related mishaps by adhering to these rules.

Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads

Safety comes first when there is a lot of rain. To avoid dangers and navigate wet roads, arm yourself with these weather service guidelines:

Watch out for flooding rivers:

Avoid parking or strolling close to drainage ditches or culverts during periods of intense rain, since the swift-moving water can be quite dangerous.

Keep your distances from other vehicles safe:

Keep a safe distance from the automobile ahead of you by following the two-second rule, and give yourself an extra two seconds if it’s raining a lot.

Reduce your speed 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:

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:

Roads are slickest during the first half-hour of rain because of a combination of rain, oil, and filth. Be especially careful during this time.

Stay a safe distance away from big cars:

Tire spray from big vehicles and buses can make it harder to see. Pass them quickly and safely, and refrain from tailgating.

Be mindful of your wipers:

Visibility may be hampered by overloaded wiper blades. If the rain significantly impairs your vision, stop and wait for the weather to clear up. Seek cover in safe spaces or rest zones.

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.

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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