Locations impacted by the alert include Oxnard, Eastern Ventura, Camarillo, Ojai, Santa Paula, Rose Valley, Lockwood Valley, Meiners Oaks, Reyes Peak, Old Man Mountain, Ventucopa, Highway 33 between Wheeler Springs, Rose Valley Road, Alamo Mountain, Topatopa Peak, Frazier Mountain, Highway 33 from Lockwood Valley Road to the Santa Barbara County line, El Rio, Lake Casitas and and Interstate 5 over the Grapevine.<\/p>\n
According to the NWS, \u201cIf outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.\u201d<\/p>\n
The full list of affected locations includes:<\/p>\n
5 Freeway corridor near Santa Clarita
\nCuyama Valley
\nSan Luis Obispo County Mountains
\nSanta Ynez Mountains Eastern Range
\nSanta Barbara County Interior Mountains
\nVentura County Beaches
\nVentura County Inland Coast
\nLake Casitas
\nOjai Valley
\nCentral Ventura County Valleys
\nSoutheastern Ventura County Valleys
\nSanta Susana Mountains
\nSouthern Ventura County Mountains
\nNorthern Ventura County Mountains<\/p>\n
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\nWhen lightning looms: Expert safety tips for thunderstorms<\/p>\n
Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, mostly during the summer. It claims the lives of about 20 people annually, according to the NWS. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.<\/p>\n
To guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:<\/p>\n
Lightning safety plan:<\/p>\n
When venturing outdoors, it\u2019s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
\nMonitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it\u2019s an indication that lightning is nearby.
\nSeek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.<\/p>\n
Indoors safety measures:<\/p>\n
Once you\u2019re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
\nThese precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.<\/p>\n
Wait for the all-clear:<\/p>\n
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
\nLightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.<\/p>\n
When indoor shelter isn\u2019t available:<\/p>\n
If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:<\/p>\n
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
\nSteer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
\nIf you\u2019re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
\nCamping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
\nDo not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don\u2019t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.<\/p>\n
In summary, when facing 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.<\/p>\n
Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads <\/p>\n
Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the NWS to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:<\/p>\n
Beware of swollen waterways:<\/p>\n
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.<\/p>\n
Maintain safe driving distances:<\/p>\n
The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.<\/p>\n
Slow down and drive with care:<\/p>\n
On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the accelerator gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.<\/p>\n
Choose your lane wisely:<\/p>\n
Stay toward the middle lanes \u2013 water tends to pool in the outside lanes.<\/p>\n
Prioritize visibility<\/p>\n
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.<\/p>\n
Watch out for slippery roads:<\/p>\n
Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.<\/p>\n
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so with caution.<\/p>\n
Mind your windshield wipers:<\/p>\n
Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.<\/p>\n
If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.<\/p>\n
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.<\/p>\n