The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the coastal levee and inland levee as well as Citrus County from 5:20 p.m. Sunday until 6 p.m.
Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 50 mph.
Locations affected by the alert include Arbor Lake, Lecanto, Homosassa Springs, Citronelle, Leisure Acres, Inglis, Inverness Highlands, Crystal River Airport, Pine Ridge, Citrus Hills, Gospel Island, Black Diamond, Brent Wood, Homosassa, Green Acres, Inverness, C, South, C, Overness, C. Inverness Highlands North.
Preparing for near lightning: expert safety advice
Each year, lightning strikes about 25 million times in the United States, mostly during the summer. According to the National Weather Service, it kills about 20 people annually. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as storms approach, peaking as the storm moves directly overhead and gradually receding.
Keep these tips in mind to protect yourself during a storm:
Lightning Protection Plan:
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When going out, it’s important to have a lightning protection plan.
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Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for thunder. If thunder is heard, it is a sign that lightning is near.
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Find a safe place for shelter, preferably indoors.
Internal security measures:
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Once you are indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical appliances, plumbing fixtures and stay away from windows and doors.
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These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as electricity can follow conductive paths.
Wait for the all clear:
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After the last lightning strike or thunderstorm, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
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Lightning can occur even after the storm has passed, so be careful.
When indoor shelter is not available:
If you find yourself outside during a storm without access to an indoor shelter, take these steps to maximize your safety:
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Avoid open areas, hills, or ridge crests, as they put you at greater risk of lightning.
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Stay away from tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to low stands of trees.
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If you are in a group, make sure people are spaced apart to prevent the flow of electricity from transferring between people.
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Outdoor camping during storms is strongly discouraged. If you have no choice, set up camp in a valley, canyon, or other low-lying area. It is important to note that tents do not provide any protection against lightning.
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Do not go near bodies of water, wet objects, or metal objects. Although water and metal do not attract electricity, they effectively conduct electricity and can pose significant hazards.
In summary, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies when faced with lightning hazards. By following these guidelines, you can reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.
Navigating Heavy Rain: Essential Safety Precautions for Wet Roads
During heavy rains, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the National Weather Service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:
Beware of strong currents:
During heavy rains, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where fast-flowing water can pose a serious risk.
Maintain a safe driving distance:
The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend this to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.
Slow down and drive carefully:
If it’s raining and the road is wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed slow down. Do not use the brakes suddenly as this may cause the car to skid.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to reduce the risk of hydroplaning, as water accumulates in the outer lanes.
Prioritize visibility
Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles behind and in the blind spots because they are especially difficult to see through rain-stained windows.
Beware of slippery roads:
Be extra careful in the first half hour after the rain starts. The grime and oil mixed with water on the road surface makes the road slippery.
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles:
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass carefully.
Pay attention to your windshield wipers:
An overloaded wiper blade can obstruct visibility. If rain severely limits your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge in comfort zones or safe locations.
If the side of the road is your only option, pull over as far as possible, preferably next to the guard rail, and wait out the storm. Turn on your headlights and turn on your emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
During heavy rains, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Don’t forget to heed the information about the weather conditions and the instructions of the local authorities for safe travel.
Source: National Weather Service
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