Be prepared for strong thunderstorms in southwest Mississippi Saturday morning

The National Weather Service reported severe thunderstorms at 6:35 a.m. Saturday until 7:15 a.m. The warning applies to West Feliciana, East Feliciana and Wilkinson counties.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour.

“At 6:34 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm capable of producing funnel clouds near Woodville, 13 miles north of Jackson, moving north at 10 miles per hour,” the NWS said. “If a funnel cloud touches down briefly, minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Gusty winds could knock down tree branches and blow over unsecured objects.”

The warning applies to Centerville and Woodville.

The NWS comments: “If you are outdoors, you should consider seeking shelter indoors. Conditions are favorable for the development of weak, short-lived funnel clouds. This type of funnel cloud is harmless, but in rare cases it can briefly touch down and produce wind gusts of over 50 mph. If a funnel cloud is spotted, get indoors or to a safe haven and report your sighting to the National Weather Service.”

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: safety recommendations from experts

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year, with the majority of these electrical discharges occurring in the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 people each year, the NWS reports. The risk of lightning-related incidents increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly overhead. However, it will gradually subside as the storm subsides.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:

Lightning protection plan:

• When heading outdoors, it is important to have a clear plan in place for seeking shelter in the event of lightning.
• Stay alert by watching the sky for threatening signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is heard, it is a clear sign of lightning nearby.
• Immediately seek shelter in a safe place, preferably indoors.

Indoor safety measures:

• Once indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical appliances, and plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
• Lightning can follow conductive paths and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

Wait for the all-clear:

• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last strike of lightning or thunder before resuming outdoor activities.
• Lightning can strike even when a storm appears to have passed. So be careful.

If covered accommodation is not available:

If you are outside during a thunderstorm and do not have access to covered shelter, follow these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge tops as these places you at a higher risk of lightning.
• Stay away from tall, isolated trees and other conspicuous objects. In wooded areas, stay near lower stands of trees.
• If you are traveling with a group, make sure that individuals are spread out to prevent lightning currents from being transmitted between people.
• Camping outdoors during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If there is no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying area. Remember that a tent does not provide protection from lightning.
• Do not approach water, wet objects or metal objects. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In conclusion, alertness and preparedness are your best allies when faced with the threat of lightning. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning accidents and make your safety a priority.

Roads likely to be rainy: Important safety tips in heavy rain

When it rains heavily, safety comes first. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the NWS to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Beware of swelling waterways:

During heavy rain, you should avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches as fast-moving water can pose a major hazard.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you, and allow two seconds longer in heavy rain.

Slow down and drive carefully:

If it is raining and the roads are wet, drive slower. Take your foot off the accelerator and let the speed gradually decrease. Never apply the brakes suddenly as this may cause the vehicle to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the center lanes – water often collects in the outside lanes.

Visibility is important:

Improve your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Be aware of vehicles in blind spots as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Be careful of slippery roads:

During the first half hour of rain, the roads are most slippery due to a mix of rain, dirt and oil. Be particularly careful during this time.

Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by the large tires impairs your visibility. Also be careful when passing; If you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

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

If you can only stop on the side of the road, position your vehicle as far away from the road as possible, ideally outside the guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers to your position.

During heavy rain, these precautions can go a long way toward ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to keep up to date with weather conditions and follow advice from local authorities to ensure a safe journey.

Source: The National Weather Service