At 2:24 p.m. on Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a weather alert for thunderstorms and heavy rain through 6 p.m. in the counties of Carbon, Monroe, Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, Delaware, and Philadelphia, as well as Western Chester, Eastern Chester, Western Montgomery, Eastern Montgomery, Upper Bucks, and Lower Bucks.
“The area is seeing rain due to a cold front. Additionally, this afternoon’s isolated thunderstorms will bring spells of heavy rain along with gusty winds. Southern Delaware and eastern New Jersey are at a Slight Risk, according to the Storm Prediction Center. This indicates that there is a level two out of five risk of severe weather. Most dangerous are strong winds. In addition to the occasional thunderstorms, there will likely be a lot of rain. This evening, it will rain anywhere from one to three inches. River flooding is not anticipated because the past two months have been extremely dry. But during the following few days, the mainstem Delaware River will rise to a half to three-quarter bankful because to the melting well to our north and the rainfall. There won’t be any flooding, but other mainstem rivers will increase as well. Cities are more resilient to drought or a lack of precipitation. Having stated that, in our urban areas that receive the most rainfall, nuisance and inadequate drainage floods is to be expected. Although the likelihood is slim, more significant flash flooding is also conceivable, according to the weather agency.
Lightning on the horizon: Expert safety measures for thunderstorms
Approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States annually, with the majority of these electrical discharges taking place in the summer. Unfortunately, according to the weather service, lightning kills roughly 20 people every year. As thunderstorms approach, the likelihood of lightning-related incidents increases, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. But as the tempest sweeps away, it gradually fades away.
In order to ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following suggestions:
Plan for lightning safety:
Indoor safety precautions:
Hold off till the all-clear:
When there is no indoor shelter:
Take these precautions to increase your safety if you are outside during a thunderstorm without access to inside shelter:
In conclusion, being alert and ready are your best defenses against lightning threats. You may put your safety first and drastically lower the likelihood of lightning-related mishaps by adhering to these rules.
Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather
Safety comes first when there is a lot of rain. To avoid dangers and navigate wet roads, arm yourself with these weather service guidelines:
Watch out for swift water flow:
Avoid parking or strolling close to culverts or drainage ditches during periods of intense precipitation, as the swift-moving water can be quite dangerous.
Keep your distances from other vehicles safe:
To keep a safe following distance behind the car in front of you, follow the two-second rule. To account for decreased traction and braking efficiency in heavy weather, give yourself an extra two seconds.
Reduce your speed and drive carefully:
It’s crucial to slow down on wet roads. To avoid sliding, reduce the accelerator gradually and don’t brake suddenly.
Pick your lane carefully:
On multilane highways, stay in the middle lanes to reduce the chance of hydroplaning because water tends to pool in the outer lanes.
Visibility is important.
As rain-spattered windows make it more difficult to see other vehicles, turn on your headlights and pay attention to those in blind spots and behind you.
Be cautious on slick roads:
During the first half hour after the rain starts, exercise additional caution. The road becomes slick when water combines with dirt and oil on the surface.
Stay a safe distance away from big cars:
Tire spray from big vehicles and buses can make it harder to see. Pass them quickly and safely, and refrain from tailgating.
Be mindful of your wipers:
Visibility may be hampered by overloaded wiper blades. If the rain makes it very difficult to see, stop and wait for the weather to clear up. Look for cover in covered areas or rest areas.
If you can’t avoid the roadside, pull off as far as you can, ideally past the end of a guard rail, and wait for the storm to pass. To let other cars know where you are, turn on your emergency flashers and keep your headlights on.
You may greatly lower dangers and protect your health when it rains a lot by adhering to these safety precautions. To ensure a safe and sound voyage, keep yourself updated on weather conditions and follow local authorities’ instructions.
Heavy rain safety: What you need to know
If heavy rainfall persists or if runoff is substantial, flooding may result. Saturated soils and/or heavy rainfall can cause excessive runoff. To keep safe during periods of intense rain, heed these weather service recommendations:
Watch out for flooding rivers:
Keep your distances from other vehicles safe:
Reduce your speed and exercise caution:
Pick your lane carefully:
Visibility is important.
Be cautious on slick roads:
Stay a safe distance away from big cars:
Be mindful of your wipers:
Taking these safety measures will significantly improve your road safety while it’s raining a lot. For a safe trip, keep yourself updated on weather conditions and follow local authorities’ instructions.
United Robots offers a service called Advance Local Weather Alerts that gathers the most recent information from the National Weather Service using machine learning.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!