Update: Thunderstorms with pea-sized hail in Harney County Thursday – gusts could peak at 50 mph

At 7:05 p.m. on Thursday, the National Weather Service updated its forecast for Harney County, predicting severe thunderstorms until 7:45 p.m.

Pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 mph are predicted.

“At 7:05 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a cluster of strong thunderstorms over Idlewild Campground, or 16 miles north of Burns, moving north at 10 mph,” according to the meteorological 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.

Call Meadow, Van, Idlewild Campground, Burnt Mountain, Crow Flat Guard Station, Calamity Butte, and King Mountain are among the places affected by the alert.

Additionally, the weather service advises, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert 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 per 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.

Remember the following advice to stay safe during a thunderstorm:

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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  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.
  
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  Seek a safe place to shelter, 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.
  
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  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.
  
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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 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 wooded 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 no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers 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, 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.

Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

If heavy rainfall persists or if runoff is substantial, flooding may result. Saturated soils and/or heavy rainfall can cause excessive runoff. To keep safe during periods of intense rain, heed these weather service recommendations:

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:

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:

On multilane highways, stay in the middle lanes to reduce the chance of hydroplaning because water tends to pool in the outer lanes.

Visibility is important.

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:

During the first half hour after the rain starts, exercise additional caution. The road becomes slick when water combines with dirt and oil on the surface.

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.

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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