An updated weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service at 11:50 p.m. Sunday for strong thunderstorms through 12:45 a.m. Monday for Mercer, Lawrence, Butler and Beaver counties.

“At 11:50 p.m., Doppler radar detected a strong thunderstorm 9 miles south of Farrell, or 10 miles northwest of New Castle, moving east at 25 mph,” the weather service says. “Gusts of wind could bring down tree branches and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations affected by the alert include New Castle, Grove City, Ellwood City, Homeacre-Lyndora, Shanor-Northvue, Meridian, Slippery Rock, Meadowood, New Wilmington, Oak Hills, Oakwood, New Castle Northwest, New Beaver, Pulaski, Nixon , Ellport. , Prospect, Bessemer, New Bedford and Harrisville.

The weather service comments: “Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening weather conditions. »

Preparing for Approaching Lightning: Expert Safety Tips

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these lightning strikes occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of around 20 people each year, as reported by weather services. The risk of lightning incidents increases as thunderstorms approach, peaking when the storm looms directly overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the storm moves away.

To ensure your safety during a storm, keep these recommendations in mind:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outside, it’s essential to have a clear plan for shelter in the event of lightning.
• Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it is a clear indication that lightning is nearby.
• Find a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoor safety measures:

• Once you find shelter indoors, avoid using corded telephones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges because lightning can follow conductive paths.

Wait for the green light:

• After the last flash of lightning or thunder, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm appears to have passed, so be careful.

When indoor shelter is not available:

If you find yourself outside without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, follow these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which put you at greater risk of lightning.
• Avoid large, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay near lower stands of trees.
• If you are in a group, make sure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• It is strongly recommended not to camp in an open environment during a storm. If there is no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying area. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach bodies of water, wet objects or metal objects. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity efficiently and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when faced with the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparation are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.

Driving on rainy roads: rainy weather safety tips

When heavy rain falls, the risk of flooding and dangerous roads increases. Here’s your weather service guide to staying safe during downpours:

Beware of swollen waterways:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where fast-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

The two-second rule for tracking distance is your friend in heavy rain. Extend it up to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

Slow down and drive carefully:

If it’s raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed gradually decrease. Never use the brakes abruptly as this could cause the car to skid.

Choose your path wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Exterior pathways are more prone to water accumulation.

Visibility matters:

Improve your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Pay particular attention to vehicles in blind spots, as rain-stained windows can obscure them.

Be careful of slippery roads:

The first half hour of rain is when roads are most slippery due to a mixture of rain, grime and oil. Exercise extreme caution during this time.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Do not follow large trucks or buses too closely. The projections created by their large tires reduce your vision. Also be careful when passing them; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

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

If the side of the road is your only option, move as far away as possible, preferably beyond the end of a guardrail, and wait for the storm to pass. Keep your headlights on and turn on the hazard lights to alert other drivers of your location.

When facing heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in keeping you safe on the road. Remember to stay informed of weather conditions and follow advice from local authorities for safe travel.

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