Weather warning for severe thunderstorms in parts of Pennsylvania on Wednesday evening

At 6:38 p.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch until 7:15 p.m. for Northern Lycoming and Southern Lycoming, as well as Sullivan, Union, Montour, Northumberland and Columbia counties.

Residents must expect wind gusts of up to 80 km/h.

“At 6:38 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from Canton through Montoursville to Milton. Speeds were 30 mph and heading east,” the weather service said. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow unsecured objects.”

Places affected by the warning include Montoursville, Muncy, Hughesville, Montgomery, Allenwood, Overton, Iola, Jamison City, Waller, Elimsport, Kettle Creek Gorge, Lairdsville, Central, Biggertown, Lincoln Falls, Barbours, Shunk, Ricketts Glen State Park, Exchange and Delaware Run.

The weather service comments: “If you are outdoors, seek shelter indoors. A severe weather warning is in effect for central and north-central Pennsylvania until 9 p.m.”

When lightning threatens: Safety tips from experts during thunderstorms

Lightning strikes occur about 25 million times each year in the United States, with most of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, about 20 people are killed by lightning strikes each year, according to the Weather Service. The danger from lightning strikes increases as thunderstorms approach, reaching its peak when the storm is directly overhead and gradually diminishing as it moves away.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, follow these recommendations:

1. Lightning protection plan:

• If you are outdoors, it is important to have a lightning protection plan.
• Watch the sky for ominous signs and listen for sounds of thunder. If thunder is heard, it is an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Find a safe shelter, preferably indoors.

2. Indoor safety measures:

• If you have found shelter in a building, refrain from using corded telephones, electrical appliances or plumbing and do not approach windows and doors.
• Lightning can follow conductive paths and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

3. Wait for the all-clear:

• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or clap of thunder before resuming outdoor activities.
• Remember that lightning can still strike even after a storm appears to have passed, so be careful.

If no shelter is available in the house:

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

• Avoid open fields, hilltops or mountain ridges where the risk of lightning strikes is greater.
• Stay away from tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you are traveling in a group, make sure that everyone keeps a sufficient distance from each other to prevent the lightning current from being transmitted between people.
• Camping outdoors during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no other options, 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 strikes.
• Do not approach bodies of water, wet objects, or metal objects. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they are good conductors of electricity and can pose significant risks.

In summary, preparation and vigilance are your best allies when you are at risk of being struck by lightning. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of being struck by lightning and put your safety first.

Rain showers on the roads: Important safety tips for heavy rain

Rain can make roads dangerous. Stay informed and follow these weather service tips to stay safe during heavy rain:

Be careful in case of flooding:

• During heavy rain, do not park or walk near culverts or drainage ditches as fast-flowing water can pose a great danger.

Keep the safety distance:

• Follow the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds to compensate for reduced traction and braking.

Reduce speed and drive carefully:

• On wet roads, it is important to reduce speed. Slowly ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane carefully:

• Stay in the middle lanes to minimize the risk of aquaplaning. More water can collect in the outer lanes.

Prioritize visibility

• Turn on your headlights and watch for other vehicles behind you and in your blind spot, as they are particularly difficult to see through rain-soaked windows.

Be careful on slippery roads:

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

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

• Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid following them too closely and overtake them quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

• Overloaded wiper blades can reduce visibility. If rain severely reduces your visibility, pull over to the side of the road and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or sheltered areas.
• If the side of the road is your only option, pull over as far as possible, preferably to the end of a guardrail, and wait for the storm to pass. Keep your headlights on and turn on 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 during heavy rain. Stay informed about weather conditions and follow the advice of local authorities to ensure your trip is safe and unharmed.

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