A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service Monday at 11:12 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 11:45 p.m. for coastal Tillamook County, central Oregon coast, central Coast Range lowlands of Oregon and the Central Oregon Coast Range.

“At 11:10 p.m., Doppler radar detected a strong thunderstorm capable of producing a funnel cloud or waterspout 10 miles west of Lincoln City, moving east at 10 mph,” the weather service said.

Locations affected by the alert include Lincoln City, Lincoln Beach, Otis and Rose Lodge. This includes the following highways: US Highway 101 between mileposts 102 and 119. State Highway 18 between mileposts 1 and 3.

The weather service adds: “If you are outdoors, consider sheltering inside a building. Conditions are favorable for the development of weak and brief funnel clouds. This type of funnel cloud is harmless, but on rare occasions they can land briefly, producing gusts of wind. at over 50 mph. If a funnel cloud is spotted, go indoors and report your sighting to the National Weather Service.

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations

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 protect yourself during a storm, consider these recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outside, it’s essential to have a clear plan for shelter in the event of lightning.
• Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it indicates that lightning is nearby.
• Find a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoor safety measures:

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

Wait for the green light:

• After the last flash of lightning or thunder, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming your 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 you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It is important to note that a tent does not provide any 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.

Rainy Roads Ahead: Essential Safety Tips in Heavy Rain

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 rapid water flow:

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.

Reduce speed and drive carefully:

On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Release the accelerator pedal gradually and avoid sudden braking to avoid skidding.

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:

Turn on your headlights and watch out for other vehicles behind you and in blind spots, as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

Be careful of slippery roads:

The first half hour of rain is when the 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:

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:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen from a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to subside. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

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.