Be prepared for damaging winds with thunderstorms in Georgia on Sunday

Locations affected by the warning include Lumpkin, Buena Vista, Talbotton, Cusseta, Richland, Junction City, Geneva, Fort Moore, North Fort Moore, Upatoi, Brantley, Seminole, Westville, Juniper, Vista Terrace, Brooklyn, Renfroe, Oakland, Manta and Zellobee.

The NWS states: “For your protection, move to an indoor area on the lowest floor of a building. A tornado warning is in effect for west central Georgia until 9 a.m..”

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: safety recommendations from experts

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with most of these electrifying events occurring in the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for killing about 20 people each year, the NWS reports. The closer a thunderstorm comes, the greater the risk of thunderstorms. It peaks when the storm is directly overhead and gradually fades as it moves away.

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

Lightning protection plan:

• If you venture outdoors, it is important to have a clear plan in place for seeking shelter in the event of lightning.

• Stay alert by watching the sky for threatening signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is heard, it is a clear sign of lightning nearby.

• Find safe shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoor safety measures:

• Once sheltered indoors, avoid using corded telephones, electrical appliances or plumbing fixtures and avoid being near windows and doors.

• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges because lightning can follow conductive paths.

Wait for the all-clear:

• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last strike of lightning or thunder before resuming outdoor activities.

• Lightning can strike even when a storm appears to be over. So be careful.

If covered accommodation is not available:

If you are outdoors during a thunderstorm and do not have access to covered shelter, follow these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops or ridge crests as they are at greater risk of lightning.

• Stay away from tall, isolated trees and other conspicuous objects. In wooded areas, stay near lower stands of trees.

• If you are traveling in a group, ensure that individuals are spread out to prevent lightning currents from being transmitted between people.

• Camping outdoors 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 important to note that a tent does not provide protection from lightning.

• Do not approach 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, preparation and vigilance are your best allies when faced with the threat of lightning. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Coping with Heavy Rain: Important Safety Measures for Wet Roads

Rain can make roads dangerous. Stay informed and follow these tips from the NWS to stay safe during heavy rains:

Beware of swelling waterways:

Avoid parking or walking close to culverts or drainage ditches as the fast-flowing water during heavy rain may potentially sweep you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

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

Reduce speed and drive carefully:

It is important to reduce speed on wet roads. To prevent skidding, ease off the accelerator pedal slowly and avoid sudden braking.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the center lanes – water often collects in the outside lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Turn on your headlights and pay attention to other vehicles in the background and in your blind spots, as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

Be careful of slippery roads:

During the first half hour of rain, the roads are most slippery due to a mix of rain, dirt and oil. Be particularly careful during this time.

Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by the large tires impairs your visibility. Also be careful when passing; If you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can impair visibility. If rain severely limits your visibility, stop and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or sheltered areas.

If you can only stop on the side of the road, position your vehicle as far away from the road as possible, ideally outside 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 risks and ensure your well-being during heavy rain. Stay informed about weather conditions and follow advice from local authorities to make your trip safe and enjoyable.

Source: The National Weather Service