A severe thunderstorm watch was issued by the National Weather Service at 11:12 p.m. Monday until 11:45 p.m. for the Tillamook County, Central Oregon Coast, Central Oregon Coast, Lowlands and Central Oregon Coast Range.

“At 11:10 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a funnel cloud or waterspout 10 miles west of Lincoln City, moving east at 10 mph,” the weather service said.

Locations affected by the alert include Lincoln City, Lincoln Beach, Otis and Rose Lodge. This includes the following highways: US Highway 101 between mile markers 102 and 119. State Highway 18 between mile markers 1 and 3.

The weather service adds, “If you are outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Conditions are favorable for the development of weak and brief funnel clouds. This type of funnel cloud is harmless, but on rare occasions they may land briefly, producing gusts of wind. over 50 mph. If a funnel cloud is observed, move indoors and report your sighting to the National Weather Service.”

Preparing for Imminent Lightning Strikes: Tips from Safety Experts

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 vital to have a clear plan for finding shelter in the event of lightning.
• Monitor the sky for signs of threat and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is heard, it is an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Find a safe place to take shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoor safety measures:

• Once inside, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
• Lightning can follow conductive paths, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

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 that individuals are spread out to prevent the transfer of lightning current between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm 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. While 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.

Rainy roads ahead: essential safety tips for heavy rain

When it rains heavily, the risk of flooding and dangerous roads increases. Here’s your weather service guide to staying safe during the rains:

Beware of fast flowing water:

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:

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

Reduce speed and drive carefully:

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 to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. The outer bands are more prone to water accumulation.

Visibility matters:

Turn on your headlights and watch out for other vehicles behind you and in your blind spots, as they are especially hard to see through rain-spattered windows.

Beware of slippery roads:

The first half hour of rain is when the roads are more slippery due to the mixture of rain, dirt and oil. You have increased attention during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and get through them quickly and safely.

Attention to the windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the sides 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 subside. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

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.