San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys, San Bernardino County Mountains and Apple/Lucerne Valleys are included in an updated report for strong thunderstorms by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 10:45 p.m. The alert is in effect until 11:30 p.m. The storms are foreseen to bring wind g usts of up to 55 mph and marble-sized hail (0.5 inches). “At 10:45 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Crestline, or near Lake Arrowhead, moving northeast at 30 mph,” according to the NWS San Diego CA. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.” Locations impacted by the alert include San Bernardino, Rialto, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Lake Arrowhead, I-15 Through The Cajon Pass, Muscoy, Hwy 173 Between Lake Arrowhead And Hesperia, Silverwood Lake Rec Area, Crestline, Rimforest, Devore, Hwy 18 Between San Bernardino And Crestline, Skyforest, Cedarpines Park, Twin Peaks and Cedar Glen. According to the NWS, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.” Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, mostly during the summer. Lightning claims the lives of about 20 people annually, according to the NWS. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves 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 case of lightning. Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning. Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors. Indoors safety measures: Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors. Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges. Wait for the all-clear: After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, 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 exercise caution. When indoor shelter isn’t available: If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety: Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk. Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded 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 no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning. Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks. In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness 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: Safety tips for wet weather Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the NWS to ensure safety during heavy rainfall: Beware of rapid water flow: 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: The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions. Reduce speed and drive cautiously: On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding. Choose your lane wisely: Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes. Visibility matters: Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them. 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: Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass 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. When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate 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 authorities to make your journey safe and sound. For more local weather alerts, visit our Weather Advisory page ...read more read less