An up to date climate alert was issued by the Nationwide Climate Service on Sunday at 2:21 p.m. for sturdy thunderstorms in impact till 2:45 p.m. for Yosemite.
The storms are anticipated to deliver marble-sized hail (0.5 inches).
“At 2:21 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 16 miles north of Yosemite Valley, or 22 miles southwest of Twin Lakes, moving northeast at 5 mph,” the NWS Hanford CA mentioned. “Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
The alert is for Paradise Meadow and Rancheria Falls Wilderness Campground.
Based on 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. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. Persons in campgrounds should consider seeking sturdy shelter until this storm passes.”
Shielding your self from approaching lightning: Skilled security pointers
Every year, lightning strikes the US roughly 25 million occasions, principally through the summer time. It claims the lives of about 20 folks yearly, in response to the NWS. The specter of lightning turns into extra pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is instantly overhead and regularly waning because it strikes away.
To make sure your security throughout a thunderstorm, maintain these suggestions in thoughts:
Lightning security plan:
When venturing open air, it’s essential to have a lightning security plan in place.
Keep vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous indicators and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a transparent indication of close by lightning.
Search a protected place to shelter, ideally indoors.
Indoors security measures:
When you’ve discovered shelter indoors, abstain from utilizing corded telephones, electrical home equipment, or plumbing fixtures, and chorus from approaching home windows and doorways.
Lightning can observe conductive pathways, and these precautions cut back the chance {of electrical} surges.
Anticipate the all-clear:
After the final lightning strike or thunderclap, wait not less than half-hour earlier than resuming outside actions.
It’s necessary to do not forget that lightning can strike even when a storm appears to have handed, so train warning.
When indoor shelter isn’t out there:
If you end up open air with out entry to indoor shelter throughout a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximise your security:
Keep away from open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to better lightning threat.
Avoid tall, remoted timber and different distinguished objects. In forested areas, keep near decrease stands of timber.
In the event you’re with a gaggle, guarantee people are unfold out to forestall lightning present from transferring between folks.
Tenting in an open setting throughout a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no different exists, arrange camp in a valley, ravine, or different low-lying areas. Keep in mind that a tent affords no safety towards lightning.
Don’t method water our bodies, moist objects, or metallic gadgets. Though water and metallic don’t appeal to lightning, they conduct electrical energy successfully and might pose important dangers.
In abstract, when dealing with the specter of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your finest allies. By following these pointers, you may considerably cut back the probabilities of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your security.
Wet roadways forward: Important security suggestions for heavy rain
When heavy rain pours, the chance of flooding and treacherous roads rises. Right here’s your information from the NWS to staying protected throughout downpours:
Watch out for speedy water move:
Throughout heavy rain, keep away from parking or strolling close to culverts or drainage ditches, the place swift-moving water can pose a severe threat.
Keep protected driving distances:
Adhere to the two-second rule for sustaining a protected following distance behind the automobile in entrance of you. In heavy rain, permit an extra two seconds of distance to compensate for diminished traction and braking effectiveness.
Decelerate and keep cautious:
On moist roads, slowing down is paramount. Progressively ease off the accelerator and keep away from abrupt braking to forestall skidding.
Select your lane correctly:
Follow the center lanes on multi-lane roads to attenuate the chance of hydroplaning, as water tends to build up in outer lanes.
Visibility issues:
Improve your visibility in heavy rain by turning in your headlights. Be careful for autos in blind spots, as rain-smeared home windows can obscure them.
Be careful for slippery roads:
Be additional cautious through the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the highway floor combine with water to make the highway slippery.
Maintain a protected distance from giant autos:
Massive vehicles and buses can cut back your visibility with tire spray. Keep away from tailgating and cross with warning.
Thoughts your windshield wipers:
Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your imaginative and prescient, pull over and anticipate circumstances to enhance. Search refuge at relaxation areas or sheltered spots.
When stopping by the roadside is your solely choice, place your automobile as far off the highway as attainable, ideally past guardrails. Maintain your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert different drivers of your place.
By following these security measures, you may considerably cut back dangers and guarantee your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Keep knowledgeable about climate circumstances and heed recommendation from native authorities to make your journey protected and sound.
Initially Revealed: August 24, 2025 at 2:27 PM PDT
