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Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines<\/p>\nThe National Weather Service issued a report at 3:17 a.m. on Monday for strong thunderstorms until 4 a.m. for Manhattan, Staten Island and Brooklyn.<\/p>\n
Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 30 mph.<\/p>\n
“At 3:16 a.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from Millington to East Brunswick to Jackson. Movement was northeast at 35 mph,” adds the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”<\/p>\n
Locations impacted by the alert include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, Passaic, Bayonne, Hoboken, Plainfield, Bloomfield, Linden, Orange, Paramus, Coney Island, Summit and Lyndhurst.<\/p>\n
The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. These storms 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.”<\/p>\n
Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines<\/p>\n
Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, mostly during the summer. Lightning claims the lives of about 20 people annually, according to the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves<\/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’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.<\/p>\n
Indoors safety measures:<\/p>\n
Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.<\/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.It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.<\/p>\n
When indoor shelter isn’t 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.Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.Camping 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.Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.<\/p>\n
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.<\/p>\n
Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather<\/p>\n
When heavy rain pours, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads rises. Here’s your guide from the weather service to staying safe during downpours:<\/p>\n
Beware of rapid water flow:<\/p>\n
In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.<\/p>\n
Maintain safe driving distances:<\/p>\n
Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.<\/p>\n
Reduce speed and drive cautiously:<\/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
Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.<\/p>\n
Prioritize visibility<\/p>\n
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant 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’t 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
Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.<\/p>\n
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.<\/p>\n
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.<\/p>\n
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