The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch at 1:29 a.m. Thursday until 2 a.m. for coastal Curry County.

Expect pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts up to 50 mph.

“At 1:28 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong storm capable of producing a waterspout near Ophir, or 26 miles south of Port Orford, moving east at 10 mph,” according to the weather service. “Shocks can easily overturn boats and create locally dangerous waters. Strong winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to objects outside is possible.”

The alert is for Ophir and Nesika Beach.

According to the weather service, “If you are outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Stay safe as lightning approaches: expert advice

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times each year, with most of these strikes occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning incidents increases as storms approach, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the storm moves away.

To protect yourself during a storm, consider these recommendations:

Lightning Safety Plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s essential to have a lightning safety plan.
• Stay alert by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is heard, it is a clear indication of lightning nearby.
• Find a safe place to take shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoor safety measures:

• Once you’ve found shelter indoors, refrain from using corded telephones, electrical appliances or plumbing, and avoid going near windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges because lightning can follow conductive paths.

Wait for total clarity:

• After the last lightning or thunder, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so be careful.

When indoor shelter is not available:

If you’re outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a storm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge tops, which expose you to a greater risk of lightning.
• Avoid tall, isolated trees and other protruding objects. In wooded areas, stay close to the lower canopy of trees.
• If you are in a group, make sure individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current transfer between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a storm is strongly discouraged. If you have no other alternative, 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.
• 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 present significant risks.

In short, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparation are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.

Navigating Rainy Roads: Wet Weather Safety Tips

Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rain:

Beware of swollen waterways:

During heavy rains, avoid parking or walking near drains or drainage ditches, where fast-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Keep driving distances safe:

Use the two second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow another two seconds in heavy rain.

Slow down and be careful:

On wet roads, reducing speed is essential. Release the accelerator pedal gradually and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay in the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in the outer lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Improve your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in your blind spots as rain-stained windows can hide them.

Beware of slippery roads:

Be very careful in the first half hour after the rain starts. Dirt and oil on the road surface mix with the water to make 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 reduces your vision. Be careful when you pass them too; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Attention to the windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can impede visibility. If rain is seriously affecting your vision, stop and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge in rest areas or sheltered places.

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

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a big difference in keeping you safe on the road. Remember to be informed about the weather conditions and take into account the guidance of the local authorities for a safe journey.

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