Marble-sized hail is expected to accompany thunderstorms in Elk and Cameron counties on Sunday

On Sunday at 7:27 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Elk and Cameron counties through 8 p.m.

Marble-sized hail (0.5 inch) and wind gusts up to 50 mph are expected.

“At 7:26 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a severe thunderstorm over St. Marys, moving east at 35 miles per hour,” the weather service said. “Gusty winds may knock down tree branches and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations affected by the warning include: St. Marys, Johnsonburg, Cameron, Emporium, Truman, East Branch Dam, Elk River, Hicks Run and Driftwood.

The weather service adds: “If you are outdoors, consider seeking shelter indoors. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect for north-central Pennsylvania until 11 p.m.

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: expert safety recommendations

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, and most of these electrifying events occur during the summer months. Unfortunately, according to the weather service, lightning causes the death of about 20 people a year. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as the storm approaches, peaking when the storm is directly overhead, and gradually weakening as it moves away.

To protect yourself during a storm, consider the following recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

• When going outside, it’s important to have a lightning protection plan in place.
• Watch the sky for ominous signs and listen for the sounds of thunder. If you hear thunder, it means there is lightning nearby.
• Find a safe place to hide, preferably indoors.

Safety measures in closed rooms:

• Once you find shelter indoors, refrain from using corded telephones, electrical appliances and 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 until everything is clear:

• After the last strike of lightning or thunder, you should wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• Lightning can strike even after the storm has seemingly passed, so be careful.

When indoor shelter is not available:

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

• Avoid open fields, hilltops or mountain ridges as they put you at greater risk of lightning.
• Avoid tall, isolated trees and other visible objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you are in a group, make sure individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from spreading between people.
• Open camping during a storm is strongly discouraged. If there is no alternative, camp in a valley, ravine or other low-lying area. Remember that the tent does not protect against lightning.
• Stay away from bodies of water, wet objects or metal objects. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they are effective conductors of electricity and can pose significant risks.

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

Mastering Wet Roads: Safety Tips for Heavy Rain

Rain can make roads dangerous. Stay informed and follow the weather service’s tips to stay safe during heavy rainfall:

Beware of fast water flow:

During heavy rainfall, avoid parking and walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where fast-flowing water may pose a serious threat.

Keep a safe distance while driving:

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

Slow down and drive carefully:

On wet roads, the most important thing is to reduce speed. Gradually release the accelerator pedal and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

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

Visibility matters:

Improve your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Be careful of vehicles in your blind spot as rain-stained windows may obscure them.

Beware of slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are most slippery due to a mixture of rain, dirt and oil. You should be especially careful during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them quickly and safely.

Remember about your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edge of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen from a safe distance, you should stop and wait until the rain stops. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

If your only option is to stop on the side of the road, park your vehicle as far from the road as possible, preferably behind guardrails. Do not turn on your hazard warning lights and warn other drivers of your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce your risk and ensure your well-being during heavy rainfall. Stay up to date with weather conditions and follow local authorities’ advice to ensure your journey is safe.

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