Update: Thunderstorms with marble-sized hail will impact Warren and Claiborne counties on Friday

The National Weather Service issued an updated report at 1:43 a.m. Friday with severe thunderstorms until 2:30 a.m

Wind gusts of up to 50 mph and marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) are expected.

“At 1:43 a.m., Doppler radar detected a strong thunderstorm over Port Gibson moving northeast at 40 miles per hour,” the NWS said. “Gusty winds could knock down branches and blow over unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

According to the NWS, “If you are outdoors, you should consider seeking shelter indoors.”

Preparing for Oncoming Lightning: Expert Safety Advice

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year, with the majority of these electrical discharges occurring in the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 people each year, the NWS reports. The risk of lightning-related incidents increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly overhead. However, it will gradually subside as the storm subsides.

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

Lightning protection plan:

• When heading outdoors, it’s important to have a lightning protection plan.
• Watch the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sounds of thunder. If thunder is heard, it is an indication that lightning is 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.
• It’s important to remember that 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 tops as these places you at a higher 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 in a group, make sure there is enough distance between individuals to prevent lightning currents from being transmitted between people.
• Camping outdoors during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If there is no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying area. Remember 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.

Roads likely to be rainy: Important safety tips in heavy rain

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

Beware of rapid water flow:

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:

The two-second rule of maintaining distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend the time to four seconds to ensure a safe distance in adverse conditions.

Slow down and stay careful:

If it is raining and the roads are wet, drive slower. Take your foot off the accelerator and let the speed gradually decrease. Never apply the brakes suddenly as this may cause the vehicle to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay in the middle lanes to minimize the risk of aquaplaning. The outer lanes are more prone to water accumulation.

Visibility is important:

Improve your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Be aware of vehicles in blind spots as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Be careful of slippery roads:

Be particularly careful in the first half hour after the rain begins. Dirt and oil on the road surface mix with water and make the road slippery.

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