The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.
An updated report from the NWS Eureka CA was issued on Wednesday at 7:46 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 8:30 p.m. for Northern Humboldt Interior.
Prepare for marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 mph.
“At 7:46 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 5 miles east of Weitchpec, or 8 miles southwest of Orleans, moving north at 15 mph,” states the NWS. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”
The alert is for Orleans.
According to the NWS, “Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening weather conditions.”
This alert is in effect until 8:30 p.m.
How to react when facing a lightning hazard?
Lightning hits the United States approximately 25 million times annually. The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS. The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead. This risk decreases as the storm moves away.
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 grows ominous and you hear thunder, seek out a safe place to take shelter.Once inside, abstain from touching corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing, and windows and doors.Wait for 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before going back out.
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
Stay away from open fields, hill summits, 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.Do not approach water, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively.What to do in the rain on the road? 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.Avoid puddles – Driving into puddles or low rainwater areas can lead to vehicles hydroplaning or losing control.Don’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. The top three contributors to hydroplaning are:
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 8, 2026 at 7:04 PM.