Northern Monterey Bay, Northern Salinas Valley/Hollister Valley and Carmel Valley and Southern Monterey Bay and Massive Sur Coast are the main focus of an up to date climate alert for robust thunderstorms issued at 5:55 p.m. on Wednesday by the Nationwide Climate Service. The alert is in impact till 6:30 p.m.
The storms are packing pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of as much as 30 mph.
“At 5:54 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Castroville, or near Marina, moving north at 25 mph,” the NWS San Francisco CA stated. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”
Places impacted by the alert embody Salinas, Watsonville, Seaside, Marina, Castroville, Boronda, Moss Touchdown, Prunedale, Interlaken, Las Lomas, Pajaro and Elkhorn.
In line with the NWS, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”
When lightning looms: Knowledgeable security ideas for thunderstorms
Lightning strikes america roughly 25 million instances every year, principally throughout the summer season. Lightning claims the lives of about 20 folks yearly, in response to the NWS. The chance of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw close to, reaching its peak when the storm straight looms overhead. Nevertheless, it progressively recedes because the tempest strikes
To ensure your security within the midst of a thunderstorm, keep in mind the next suggestions:
Lightning security plan:
When venturing outside, it’s 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 shelter promptly in a secure location, 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.
These precautions assist scale back the chance {of electrical} surges, as lightning can observe conductive pathways.
Look forward to the all-clear:
After the final lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at the least half-hour earlier than resuming out of doors actions.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly handed, so train warning.
When indoor shelter isn’t out there:
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 distinguished objects. In forested areas, keep near decrease stands of timber.
Should 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. 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 gives no safety in opposition to lightning.
Don’t strategy water our bodies, moist objects, or metallic gadgets. Whereas water and metallic don’t entice lightning, they conduct electrical energy successfully and may pose important dangers.
In abstract, when dealing with the specter of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your finest allies. By following these tips, you’ll be able to considerably scale back the probabilities of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your security.
Mastering moist roads: Security ideas for heavy rainfall
When heavy rain strikes, security is paramount. Equip your self with these tips from the NWS to navigate moist roads and keep away from hazards:
Watch out for swollen waterways:
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:
The 2-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Lengthen it to 4 seconds to make sure secure spacing in hostile situations.
Cut back velocity and drive cautiously:
Whether it is raining and the roads are moist, decelerate. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your velocity drop progressively. By no means use the brakes abruptly as a result of this may increasingly trigger the automobile to skid.
Select your lane correctly:
Follow the center lanes to attenuate the chance of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are extra vulnerable to accumulating water.
Prioritize visibility
Improve your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be significantly vigilant for autos in blind spots, as rain-smeared home windows can obscure them.
Be careful for slippery roads:
Be further cautious throughout the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the highway floor combine with water to make the highway slippery.
Maintain a secure distance from giant autos:
Giant vehicles and buses can scale back your visibility with tire spray. Keep away from tailgating and move with warning.
Thoughts your windshield wipers:
Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your imaginative and prescient, pull over and watch for situations to enhance. Search refuge at relaxation areas or sheltered spots.
If the roadside is your solely choice, pull off so far as doable, 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 major distinction in guaranteeing your security on the highway. Bear in mind to remain knowledgeable about climate situations and heed steering from native authorities for a safe journey.
Initially Revealed: September 24, 2025 at 6:02 PM PDT
