The National Weather Service issued an updated report at 2:06 a.m. Thursday regarding strong thunderstorms through 2:30 a.m. for coastal Curry County.

Expect marble-sized (0.5 inch) hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph.

“At 2:05 a.m., Doppler radar detected a strong storm capable of producing a waterspout just west of Ophir, 14 miles south of Port Orford, moving northeast at 16 km/ h,” according to the weather service. “Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous waters. Gusty winds could down tree branches and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”

The alert concerns Ophir and Nesika Beach.

According to the weather service, “if you are outdoors, consider sheltering inside a building.”

Staying Safe When Lightning Approaches: Expert 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 protect yourself during a storm, consider these recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it is essential to have a lightning protection plan in place.
• 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 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 forested areas, stay near lower stands of trees.
• If you are in a group, make sure individuals are spaced apart to prevent lightning current from being transmitted between people.
• Camping in open areas during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. 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.

Driving on rainy roads: rainy weather safety tips

Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:

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:

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

Slow down and stay safe:

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 on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to collect in the outside lanes.

Prioritize visibility

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

Be careful of slippery roads:

Be very careful during the first half hour after the rain starts. Dirt and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

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.