San Francisco Bay Shoreline, San Francisco Peninsula Coast, Santa Cruz Mountains and Santa Clara Valley Including San Jose are the focus of an updated weather alert for strong thunderstorms issued at 2:24 p.m. on Wednesday by the National Weather Service. The alert is in effect until 3 p.m.
The storms could bring pea-sized hail (0.25 inches).
"At 2:24 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a line of strong thunderstorms extending from over El Granada to 21 miles west of Boulder Creek, or extending from 6 miles southwest of Millbrae to 27 miles west of Santa Cruz, moving northeast at 45 mph," according to the NWS San Francisco CA. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible."
Locations impacted by the alert include San Jose, Fremont, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Redwood City, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Cupertino, Menlo Park, Foster City, Los Altos, Burlingame, San Carlos, East Palo Alto, Belmont, Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough, Los Altos Hills and Atherton.
According to the NWS, "Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening weather conditions. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways."
Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the NWS. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:
If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.
When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the NWS to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:
Beware of rapid water flow:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.
Maintain safe driving distances:
The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.
Slow down and drive with care:
On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.
Prioritize visibility
Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.