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A weather alert was issued by the NWS Hanford CA on Friday at 12:24 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 1 p.m. The alert is for Mariposa Madera Foothills, Mariposa-Madera Lower Sierra and Yosemite.
Brace for pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 12:24 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 7 miles northwest of Bootjack, or 19 miles west of Yosemite South Entrance, moving north at 20 mph,” adds the NWS. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
The alert is for Bootjack, Mariposa and Hodgdon Meadow Campground.
The NWS comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Conditions are favorable for the development of weak, brief funnel clouds. This type of funnel cloud is harmless, but on rare occasions they can briefly touch down, producing wind gusts over 50 mph. If a funnel cloud is spotted move indoors and report your sighting to the National Weather Service. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.”
This alert is in effect until 1 p.m.
How to react when facing a lightning hazard?
Around 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States every year, with most taking place during the summer months. The NWS reports that these strikes result in about 20 fatalities annually. The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above. As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.
Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm:
To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.Once indoors, avoid touching corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.Wait for 30 minutes after the final lightning or thunder before heading outside again.
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
Steer clear of open fields, hilltops, or ridge tops.Keep a distance from tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures. When in a forest, stay in proximity to shorter tree groupings.If you are with a group, fan out to stop the current from transmitting between members.If you are camping in an open setting, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low spot. Bear in mind, a tent does not protect you from lightning.Maintain a safe distance from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning, yet they conduct electricity efficiently.What steps to follow when driving in the rain? Switch on headlights – Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.While on the road – Opt for the middle lanes and remain on higher ground. Rainwater tends to gather along the road edges.Keep clear of puddles – Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of controlDon’t tail large vehicles closely – Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.Avoid flooded zones – If you encounter a flooded road, make a U-turn and go back. The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road. Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle’s weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. Hydroplaning is most commonly attributed to three factors:
Vehicle speed – When a vehicle’s speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.Water depth – The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. It doesn’t matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to hydroplaning.Tire tread depth – Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here’s what to know:
Ease off the accelerator – Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.Turn into the skid – Turning into the skid can help the vehicle’s tires realign to regain control.Make sure the tires reconnect with the road – During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.Brake gently as needed – Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
Source: The National Weather Service
United Robots California
This story was originally published April 10, 2026 at 12:27 PM.