The National Weather Service issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning at 5:07 p.m. Saturday, effective until 5:30 p.m. for Franklin and Fulton counties.

Wind gusts of up to 60 mph (96 km/h) and quarter-sized hailstones (2.5 cm) are forecast.

“At 5:06 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was over Harrisonville, moving southeast at 30 mph,” the weather service said. “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees is expected.”

Locations affected by the warning include McConnellsburg, Harrisonville, Fort Loudon, Big Cove Tannery, Crystal Springs, Needmore, Valley-Hi and Saluvia. This includes the following Interstates: Interstate 70 from mile markers 151 to 154. The Pennsylvania Turnpike from mile markers 166 to 170.

The weather service adds: “Stay inside a sturdy building and stay away from windows.”

Protect Yourself from Approaching Lightning: Safety Guidelines from Experts

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year, with the majority of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 people each year, according to the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents increases as thunderstorms approach, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. However, it gradually decreases as the storm moves away.

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

Lightning protection plan:

• When going outside, it is essential to have a lightning protection plan.
• Watch the sky for threatening signals and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it is an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Immediately seek a safe place, preferably indoors.

Indoor safety measures:

• Once inside, avoid using landlines, electrical appliances, and plumbing fixtures. Also, stay away from windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of power surges, as lightning can follow conductive paths.

Wait until the signal is clear:

• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder strike before resuming outdoor activities.
• Lightning can strike even after the storm appears to be over, so be careful.

If there is no indoor space available:

If you find yourself outside during a thunderstorm and don’t have access to indoor shelter, you can take the following steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops and mountain ridges as these are at greater risk of being struck by lightning.
• Stay away from tall, isolated trees and other conspicuous objects. In wooded areas, stay close to shorter trees.
• If you are in a group, make sure people are spread out throughout the group so that lightning cannot strike.
• Camping in an open area 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 go near bodies of water, wet objects or metal objects. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when faced with the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chance of lightning-related accidents and make your safety a priority.

Driving in Downpours: Safety Guidelines for Wet Roads

Heavy rainfall can lead to flooding if it lasts for a long time or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be the result of saturated soil and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe during heavy rainfall:

Beware of fast water flow:

Avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches as fast-flowing water can sweep you away during heavy rainfall.

Maintain a safe driving distance:

The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe distance in adverse conditions.

Drive slowly and be careful:

On wet roads it is essential to slow down. Release the accelerator gradually and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay in the middle lanes, as water often collects in the outer lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Improve your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Be extra vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Beware of slippery roads:

Be extra careful during the first half hour after the rain starts. Dirt and oil on the road surface mixes with water and makes the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Do not follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires will limit your view. Also, be careful when passing; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can obstruct your view. If rain is seriously obstructing your view, stop and wait until conditions improve. Seek refuge in rest areas or sheltered spots.

If the side of the road is your only option, drive as far away as possible, preferably past the end of a guardrail, and wait for the storm to pass. Keep your headlights on and turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers of your position.

In heavy rain, these precautions can make a big difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed of the weather conditions and follow the guidelines of local authorities for a safe journey.

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