Yosemite and Yosemite Valley are beneath an up to date climate alert for sturdy thunderstorms by the Nationwide Climate Service on Wednesday at 3:22 p.m. The alert is in impact till 3:45 p.m.
The storms may convey pea-sized hail (0.25 inches).
“At 3:22 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Yosemite National, or 14 miles north of Yosemite South Entrance, moving south at 10 mph,” in keeping with the NWS Hanford CA. “Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
Areas impacted by the alert embrace Yosemite Glacier Level, Camp 4 Campground, Tamarack Flat Campground, Yosemite Nationwide and Yosemite Valley.
Based on the NWS, “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. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.”
Lightning on the horizon: Skilled security measures for thunderstorms
Every year, lightning strikes the US roughly 25 million occasions, with nearly all of these electrifying occasions occurring in the course of the summer season months. Sadly, lightning is answerable for claiming the lives of roughly 20 folks yearly, as reported by the NWS. The specter of lightning turns into extra pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is straight overhead and step by step waning because it strikes away.
To ensure your security within the midst of a thunderstorm, have in mind the next suggestions:
Lightning security plan:
When venturing outside, it’s very important to ascertain a transparent plan for looking for shelter in case of lightning.
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 secure place to shelter, ideally indoors.
Indoors security measures:
When you’re indoors, keep away from utilizing corded telephones, electrical units, plumbing fixtures, and avoid home windows and doorways.
These precautions assist cut back the danger {of electrical} surges, as lightning can observe conductive pathways.
Await the all-clear:
After the final lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at the least half-hour earlier than resuming outside actions.
It’s vital to keep in mind that lightning can strike even when a storm appears to have handed, so train warning.
When indoor shelter isn’t accessible:
If you end up outside 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 larger lightning threat.
Keep away from tall, remoted timber and different outstanding objects. In forested areas, keep near decrease stands of timber.
When you’re with a gaggle, guarantee people are unfold out to stop lightning present from transferring between folks.
Tenting in an open setting throughout a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. In case you have no various, arrange camp in a valley, ravine, or different low-lying areas. It’s essential to notice {that a} tent supplies no safety in opposition to lightning.
Don’t method water our bodies, moist objects, or steel objects. Whereas water and steel don’t entice lightning, they conduct electrical energy successfully and might pose important dangers.
In abstract, when dealing with the specter of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your finest allies. By following these tips, you possibly can considerably cut back the probability of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your security.
Navigating wet roads: Security suggestions for moist climate
Rain can flip roads into hazards. Keep knowledgeable and observe the following tips from the NWS to make sure security throughout heavy rainfall:
Watch out for speedy water stream:
Throughout heavy rain, keep away from parking or strolling close to culverts or drainage ditches, the place swift-moving water can pose a critical threat.
Preserve secure driving distances:
Adhere to the two-second rule for sustaining a secure following distance behind the automobile in entrance of you. In heavy rain, permit a further two seconds of distance to compensate for diminished traction and braking effectiveness.
Cut back velocity and drive cautiously:
On moist roads, slowing down is paramount. Regularly ease off the accelerator and keep away from abrupt braking to stop skidding.
Select your lane properly:
Persist with the center lanes to reduce the danger of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are extra susceptible to accumulating water.
Prioritize visibility
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 in the course of the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the street floor combine with water to make the street slippery.
Maintain a secure distance from giant autos:
Don’t observe giant vehicles or buses too intently. The spray created by their giant tires reduces your imaginative and prescient. Take care when passing them as nicely; should you should cross, achieve this shortly and safely.
Thoughts your windshield wipers:
Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so restricted that the perimeters of the street or different autos can’t be seen at a secure distance, it’s time to pull over and anticipate the rain to ease up. It’s best to cease at relaxation areas or different protected areas.
If the roadside is your solely possibility, pull off so far as potential, ideally previous the top of a guard rail, and wait till the storm passes. Maintain your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert different drivers of your place.
Within the face of heavy rain, these precautions could make a big distinction in guaranteeing your security on the street. Bear in mind to remain knowledgeable about climate circumstances and heed steerage from native authorities for a safe journey.
Initially Printed: April 30, 2025 at 3:27 PM PDT
