Marble-sized hail expected with thunderstorms in Franklin and Adams counties Sunday

The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 1:32 a.m. Sunday for severe thunderstorms through 2 a.m. for Franklin and Adams counties.

The storms produce marble-sized (0.5 inch) hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph.

“At 1:32 a.m., Doppler radar detected a severe thunderstorm near Waynesboro, moving south at 25 mph,” the weather service said. “Wind gusts could cause tree limbs to fall and loose objects to fly. Hail could cause minor damage to vegetation.”

Areas affected by the alert include Waynesboro, Carroll Valley, Wayne Heights, Mont Alto, Rouzerville, Orrtanna, Fairfield, Liberty Mountain Resort and Penn State Mont Alto.

The weather service comments: “If you are outside, consider taking shelter inside a building. This storm could intensify, so be sure to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.”

Lightning on the horizon: Experts' safety measures in case of thunderstorms

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year, with most of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning kills about 20 people each year, according to the weather service. The risk of lightning incidents increases as thunderstorms approach, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. However, it gradually decreases as the storm moves away.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:

Lightning Safety Plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it is essential to have a clear plan for seeking shelter in the event of lightning.
• Watch the sky for signs of danger and listen for thunder. If you hear thunder, it is an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Find a safe place to take shelter, preferably indoors.

Safety measures inside:

• Once you have found shelter indoors, refrain from using landline phones, electrical appliances or plumbing fixtures, and avoid going near windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, because lightning can follow conductive paths.

Wait for the green light:

• After the last lightning or thunder strike, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• Lightning can strike even when a storm appears to have passed, so be careful.

When indoor shelter is not available:

If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, follow these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops or ridges as these put you at a higher risk of lightning strikes.
• Avoid large, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower trees.
• If you are in a group, make sure individuals are spaced apart to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open area during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no other choice, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying area. It is important to note that a tent does not provide any protection from lightning.
• Stay away from bodies of water, wet objects, or metal objects. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they are efficient conductors of electricity and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when faced with the threat of lightning, preparation and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning incidents and prioritize your safety.

Driving in the rain: safety tips for wet roads

When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions increase. Whether it’s prolonged rain or rapid runoff, it’s essential to be prepared. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to help keep you safe during heavy rain:

Beware of fast water flow:

Avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, as fast-flowing water during heavy rains can potentially carry you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

The two-second rule for safe distance is your friend in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure a safe distance in adverse conditions.

Slow down and stay safe:

If it is raining and the road is wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and gradually reduce your speed. Never use the brakes suddenly, as this could cause the car to skid.

Choose your path wisely:

Stay in the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to collect in the outer lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Turn on your headlights and watch out for other vehicles behind you and in blind spots, as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

Beware of slippery roads:

The first half hour of rain is when roads are most slippery due to a mixture of rain, dirt and oil. Be especially careful during this time.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility due to tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can impair visibility. If rain is severely affecting your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or sheltered areas.

If you have no choice but to pull over to the side of the road, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond the guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your location.

In case of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in keeping you safe on the road. Remember to keep yourself informed of weather conditions and follow the advice of local authorities for a safe journey.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.