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

At 8:44 p.m. on Friday, the National Weather Service upgraded its weather notice for Oregon’s Lower Treasure Valley and Malheur County, predicting severe thunderstorms until 9:30 p.m.

Pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph are predicted.

The meteorological service said that at 8:44 p.m., “Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Rufino Butte, or 40 miles west of Parma, moving northeast at 25 mph.” Gusty winds have the potential to blow around unsecured objects and topple tree branches. areas where dust can be blown. 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 within a structure or car. Keep an eye on nearby radio stations and accessible television stations for more updates and any National Weather Service alerts as this storm may get stronger.

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations

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 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 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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  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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  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, 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 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. 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.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

Flooding and dangerous driving conditions increase when heavy rain starts. Being ready is crucial, regardless of the duration of the rainfall or the rate of runoff. The weather service has provided the following important safety advice to help you stay safe during periods of severe rain:

Watch out for swift water flow:

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:

It’s crucial to slow down on wet roads. To avoid sliding, reduce the accelerator gradually and don’t brake suddenly.

Pick your lane carefully:

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

Visibility is important.

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:

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.

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.

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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