Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Monterey County Set to Expire at 2 PM

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Monterey County. Initially, this warning was to remain in place until 2 PM. Though the storm has departed, small hail, gusty winds, and heavy rain may still occur.

Lightning Safety Tips

In the United States, around 25 million lightning strikes happen annually, mostly during summer. These result in approximately 20 fatalities each year. The risk of lightning is highest when the storm is directly overhead and decreases as the storm moves away. Here are vital safety precautions during such storms:

• Plan an escape route to a secure area when venturing outdoors.
• If thunder is audible, quickly seek shelter indoors.
• Avoid using corded phones, electrical appliances, and plumbing indoors.
• Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning before going outside.

If outdoor shelter is unavailable:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, and isolated tall trees.
• In forests, stay near lower trees.
• If in a group, spread out from others to minimize the current’s path.
• Camp in valleys or low areas, not on open land. Avoid contact with water and metals.

Driving Precautions in Rain

To ensure safety while driving in rainy conditions, consider the following precautions:

• Use headlights to improve visibility and alert other drivers.
• Stay in middle lanes to avoid water accumulation on road edges.
• Avoid driving through puddles to prevent hydroplaning.
• Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles to reduce water spray obstruction.
• Do not drive through flooded roads as it can damage the vehicle and pose risks from flash floods.

Understanding and Handling Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads. This happens when water accumulates faster than the vehicle can displace it, lifting the tires and causing loss of control. Here’s how to manage hydroplaning:

• Reduce speed during wet conditions as increased speed reduces tire traction.
• Keep track of water depth; even shallow water can cause hydroplaning.
• Ensure tire treads are deep enough to provide good grip.

If your vehicle starts to hydroplane:

• Gently ease off the accelerator to regain control.
• Steer into the skid to help the tires realign.
• Wait for the tires to reconnect with the road, then gently straighten the wheels.
• Brake gently if necessary; use anti-lock brakes normally or pump them gently for older models.

Stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during severe weather conditions in Monterey County.