The warning applied to Cameron, Clearfield and Elk counties.

“The storm that triggered the warning has weakened below the critical level and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property. Therefore, the warning is being lifted. However, gusty winds and heavy rain are still possible with this storm,” the National Weather Service explains.

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Safety recommendations from experts

In the United States, lightning strikes occur approximately 25 million times each year, with most of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, according to the National Weather Service, approximately 20 people are killed by lightning each year. The danger from lightning increases as thunderstorms approach, reaching its peak when the storm is directly overhead and gradually diminishing as it moves away.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, follow these recommendations:

Lightning protection plan:

• If you are outdoors, it is important to have a lightning protection plan.
• Stay alert by watching the skies for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it is a clear sign of lightning nearby.
• Find a safe shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoor safety measures:

• Avoid using corded telephones, electrical appliances or plumbing indoors and stay away from windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive paths.

Wait for the all-clear:

• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or clap of thunder before resuming outdoor activities.
• Remember that lightning can still strike even after a storm appears to have passed, so be careful.

If no shelter is available in the house:

If you are outdoors during a thunderstorm and do not have access to shelter, take the following steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops or mountain ridges where the risk of lightning strikes is greater.
• Stay away from tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you are traveling in a group, make sure that everyone keeps a sufficient distance from each other to prevent the lightning current from being transmitted between people.
• Camping outdoors during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no other options, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying area. It is important to note that a tent does not provide protection from lightning strikes.
• Do not approach bodies of water, wet objects, or metal objects. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they are good conductors of electricity and can pose significant risks.

In summary, preparation and vigilance are your best allies when you are at risk of being struck by lightning. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of being struck by lightning and put your safety first.

Driving in heavy rain: safety tips for wet roads

Rain can make roads dangerous. Stay informed and follow these weather service tips to stay safe during heavy rain:

Be careful with fast water flow:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as fast-flowing water may sweep you away during heavy rain.

Keep the safety distance:

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

Reduce speed and drive carefully:

On wet roads, it is extremely important to slow down. Ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane carefully:

Stay in the middle lanes as water often collects in the outside lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Improve your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Pay particular attention to vehicles in your blind spot, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Be careful of slippery roads:

During the first half hour of rain, the roads are at their 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 with tire spray. Avoid following them too closely and overtake them quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can reduce visibility. If rain is severely affecting your visibility, pull over to the side of the road and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or places sheltered from the wind.

If you can only stop at the side of the road, position your vehicle as far from the road as possible, ideally behind guard rails. Leave your headlights on and activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers to your position.

In heavy rain, these precautions can go a long way to keeping you safe on the road. Remember to check weather conditions and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure a safe journey.

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