Update: Thunderstorms with pea-sized hail in Yosemite Saturday – gusts to hit 40 mph

The National Weather Arrangement issued an updated overview at p m on Saturday for strong thunderstorms in effect until p m for Yosemite Prepare for pea-sized hail inches and wind gusts of up to mph At p m Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm miles southwest of Twin Lakes moving north at mph states the NWS Hanford CA Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects Minor hail damage to vegetation is doable According to the NWS If outdoors consider seeking shelter inside a building Lightning on the horizon Expert safety measures for thunderstorms Each year lightning strikes the United States approximately million times mostly during the summer It states the lives of about people annually according to the NWS The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm consider the following recommendations Lightning safety plan When venturing outdoors it s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in episode of lightning Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder If thunder is audible it s an indication that lightning is nearby Seek shelter promptly in a safe location preferably indoors Indoors safety measures Once you re indoors avoid using corded phones electrical devices plumbing fixtures and stay away from windows and doors Lightning can follow conductive pathways and these precautions reduce the menace of electrical surges Wait for the all-clear After the last lightning strike or thunderclap wait at least minutes before resuming outdoor events Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed so exercise caution When indoor shelter isn t available If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm take these actions to maximize your safety Avoid open fields hilltops or ridge crests as they expose you to greater lightning menace Steer clear of tall isolated trees and other prominent objects In forested areas stay close to lower stands of trees If you re with a group ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged If you have no alternative set up camp in a valley ravine or other low-lying areas It s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning Do not approach water bodies wet objects or metal items While water and metal don t attract lightning they conduct electricity effectively and can pose vital risks 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 Navigating rainy roads Safety tips for wet weather When heavy rain pours the hazard of flooding and treacherous roads rises Here s your guide from the NWS to staying safe during downpours Beware of swollen waterways In heavy rain refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger Maintain safe driving distances Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the bicycle in front of you In heavy rain allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness Slow down and drive with care If it is raining and the roads are wet slow down Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid Choose your lane wisely Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the jeopardy of hydroplaning Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water Prioritize visibility Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially complex to see through rain-spattered windows Watch out for slippery roads The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain grime and oil Exercise heightened caution during this period Keep a safe distance from large vehicles Don t follow large trucks or buses too closely The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision Take care when passing them as well if you must pass do so with caution Mind your windshield wipers Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas If the roadside is your only option pull off as far as practicable 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 By following these safety measures you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local officers to make your journey safe and sound