The warning was for Allegany County.

“The storm that prompted the warning has been downgraded below severe levels and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property. As such, the warning can now expire. However, small hail, gusty winds, and heavy rainfall are still possible with this thunderstorm,” the National Weather Service said.

Preparing for Impending Lightning Strikes: Safety Recommendations from Experts

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year, with the majority of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 people each year, according to the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents increases as thunderstorms approach, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. However, it gradually decreases as the storm moves away.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, please consider the following recommendations:

Lightning protection plan:

• When going outside, it is important to have a clear plan for where to seek shelter in the event of lightning.
• Stay vigilant by watching the skies for ominous signs and listen for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it is a clear indication of lightning nearby.
• Find a safe place to hide, preferably indoors.

Indoor safety measures:

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

Wait until the signal is clear:

• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder strike before resuming outdoor activities.
• Be aware that lightning can strike even when the storm seems to be over, so be careful.

If there is no indoor space available:

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

• Avoid open fields, hilltops and mountain ridges as these are at greater risk of being struck by lightning.
• Stay away from tall, isolated trees and other conspicuous objects. In wooded areas, stay close to shorter trees.
• If you are in a group, make sure people are spread out throughout the group so that lightning cannot strike.
• Camping in an open area during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If there is no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine or other low-lying area. Remember that a tent does not provide protection from lightning.
• Do not go near bodies of water, wet objects or metal objects. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

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

Driving in Downpours: Safety Guidelines for Wet Roads

When heavy rains occur, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions increases. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe during heavy rain:

Beware of swollen waterways:

During heavy rainfall, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, as fast-flowing water can pose a serious risk there.

Maintain a safe driving distance:

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

Reduce your speed and drive carefully:

On wet roads it is crucial to reduce your speed. Release the accelerator gradually and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay in the middle lanes to minimize the risk of aquaplaning. Outer lanes are more susceptible to water accumulation.

Prioritize visibility

Improve your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Be extra vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Beware of slippery roads:

The first half hour of rain is when the roads are most slippery due to a mix of rain, dirt and oil. Be extra careful during this period.

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 poor that you can’t see the edges of the road or other vehicles at a safe distance, it’s time to pull over and wait for the rain to subside. It’s best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

If stopping at the side of the road is your only option, pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally past the guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate 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 when it rains heavily. Stay informed of the weather conditions and follow the advice of the local authorities to make your trip safe and healthy.

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