Damaging winds and quarter-sized hail are expected with thunderstorms expected to hit Erie and Wyoming counties on Monday

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 7:30 p.m. Monday, effective until 8:30 p.m. for Erie and Wyoming counties.

Expect quarter-sized hail (2.5 cm) and wind gusts up to 96 km/h.

“At 7:29 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was over East Aurora, moving southeast at 15 mph,” the weather service said. “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees is expected.”

The warning applies to the following locations: East Aurora, Marilla, Varysburg, Wales Center, Billington Heights, Elma Center, Holland, Sheldon, Strykersville and Cowlesville.

The weather service adds: “For your own safety, go to an interior room on the lower floor of a building. Torrential rain is expected during this storm, and flash flooding is possible. Do not drive your vehicle on flooded roads.”

When Lightning Strikes: Expert Thunderstorm Safety Tips

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year, with the majority of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 people each year, according to the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents increases as thunderstorms approach, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. However, it gradually decreases as the storm moves away.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, please consider the following recommendations:

Lightning protection plan:

• When going outside, it is essential to have a lightning protection plan.
• Watch the sky for threatening signals and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it is an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Immediately seek a safe place, preferably indoors.

Indoor safety measures:

• Once inside, avoid using landlines, electrical appliances, and plumbing fixtures. Also, stay away from windows and doors.
• Lightning can follow conductive paths and these precautions will reduce the risk of electrical surges.

Wait until the signal is clear:

• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder strike before resuming outdoor activities.
• Be aware that lightning can strike even when the storm seems to be over, so be careful.

If there is no indoor space available:

If you are outdoors and do not have access to an indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take the following steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops and mountain ridges as these are at greater risk of being struck by lightning.
• Stay away from tall, isolated trees and other conspicuous objects. In wooded areas, stay close to shorter trees.
• If you are in a group, make sure there is enough distance between people to prevent lightning current from being transferred from one person to another.
• Camping in an open area during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine or other low-lying area. It is crucial to note that a tent does not provide protection from lightning.
• Do not go near bodies of water, wet objects or metal objects. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when faced with the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chance of lightning-related accidents and make your safety a priority.

Navigating Rainy Roads: Wet Weather Safety Tips

When heavy rains occur, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions increases. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe during heavy rain:

Beware of fast water flow:

Avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches as fast-flowing water can sweep you away during heavy rainfall.

Maintain a safe driving distance:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an extra two seconds of distance.

Drive slowly and carefully:

On wet roads it is essential to slow down. Release the accelerator gradually and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay in the middle lanes to minimize the risk of aquaplaning. Outer lanes are more susceptible to water accumulation.

Prioritize visibility

Improve your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Be extra vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Beware of slippery roads:

The first half hour of rain is when the roads are most slippery due to a mixture of rain, dirt and oil. Be extra careful during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can impair visibility. If rain severely impairs your visibility, stop and wait until conditions improve. Seek refuge in rest areas or sheltered spots.

If stopping at the side of the road is your only option, pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally past the guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers to your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risks and ensure your well-being when it rains heavily. Stay informed of the weather conditions and follow the advice of the local authorities to make your trip safe and healthy.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots that uses machine learning to collect the latest data from the National Weather Service.