Anticipate strong thunderstorms in Yosemite Sunday afternoon – gusts as high as 40 mph

Yosemite Yosemite Valley Mariposa Madera Foothills and Mariposa-Madera Lower Sierra are under a weather alert for strong thunderstorms by the National Weather Institution on Sunday at p m The alert is in effect until p m Residents can expect wind gusts of up to mph At p m Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Yosemite National or miles north of Yosemite South Entrance moving southwest at mph states the NWS Hanford CA Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects Locations impacted by the alert include Tamarack Flat Campground Gin Flat El Portal Crane Flat Campground Yosemite Valley Vistor Center Camp Campground Yosemite National Crane Flat and Yosemite Valley According to the NWS If outdoors consider seeking shelter inside a building Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm Lightning can strike miles away from a thunderstorm Seek a safe shelter inside a building or motorcycle This storm may intensify so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and doable warnings from the National Weather Amenity When lightning looms Expert safety tips for thunderstorms Each year lightning strikes the United States approximately million times with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months Unfortunately lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately people annually as broadcasted by 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 crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place 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 a safe place to shelter preferably indoors Indoors safety measures Once you re indoors avoid using corded phones electrical devices plumbing fixtures and stay away from windows and doors These precautions help reduce the threat of electrical surges as lightning can follow conductive pathways Wait for the all-clear After the last lightning strike or thunderclap wait at least minutes before resuming outdoor sessions Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly 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 attempts to maximize your safety Avoid open fields hilltops or ridge crests as they expose you to greater lightning danger Steer clear of tall isolated trees and other prominent objects In wooded areas stay close to lower stands of trees If you re in a group ensure that individuals are spaced 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 notable 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 Rainy roadways ahead Essential safety tips for heavy rain Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff Excessive runoff can be a effect of saturated ground and or rainfall intensity Follow these recommendations from the NWS to stay safe in heavy rain Beware of rapid water flow During heavy rain avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches where swift-moving water can pose a serious hazard Maintain safe driving distances Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain Slow down and drive with care On wet roads slowing down is paramount Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding Choose your lane wisely Stay toward the middle lanes water tends to pool in the outside 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 Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery 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 promptly and safely 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 realizable preferably past the end of a guard rail and wait until the storm passes Keep your headlights on and turn on crisis flashers to alert other drivers of your position In the face of heavy rain these precautions can make a critical difference in ensuring your safety on the road Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local executives for a secure journey