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On Friday at 7:26 p.m. the NWS Sacramento CA issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 7:45 p.m. The warning is for Butte, Colusa and Glenn counties.
The storms are foreseen to bring quarter-sized hail (1 inch).
“At 7:26 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Butte City, or 16 miles east of Willows, moving northeast at 20 mph,” says the NWS. “Damage to vehicles is expected.”
Locations impacted by the warning include Glenn, Butte City, Codora, Afton, Ordbend, Dayton, Thermalito and Durham.
The NWS states, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”
This warning is in effect until 7:45 p.m.
What to do as threat of lightning approaches?
Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Most of the strikes occur in the summer, killing 20 people each year, according to the NWS. Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead. It diminishes as the storm moves away.
Here are suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm:
To lower the risk of lightning strikes, when going outdoors, develop a plan to reach a safer spot.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 most recent lightning or thunder before venturing outside.
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
Steer clear of open fields, hilltops, or ridge tops.Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects. If in a forest, stay close to lower trees.If you are in a group, disperse to prevent the current from passing between group 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.Keep a distance from water, wet articles, and metal objects. While water and metal do not draw lightning, they are proficient conductors of electricity.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.Keep clear of puddles – Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of controlGive ample space to large vehicles – Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.Steer clear of flooded areas – When coming to a flooded road, turn around and head back. Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide 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 7:10 PM.