A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Monday at 11:01 a.m. for strong thunderstorms in effect until 11:30 a.m. for East Bay Interior Valleys. The storms are packing pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph. “At 11:01 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over El Sobrante, or over El Cerrito, moving northeast at 35 mph,” states the
NWS San Francisco CA . “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.” Locations impacted by the alert include Richmond, Mountain View, Martinez, San Pablo, Hercules, Pinole, Rodeo, El Sobrante, Port Costa, Tara Hills, Rollingwood, Crockett, East Richmond Heights, Bayview-Montalvin and Vine Hill. The NWS said, “Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening weather conditions. Storms will be capable of producing large quantities of accumulating hail. This may result in slick and hazardous driving conditions. Slow down and use caution if driving.”
Lightning on the horizon: Expert safety measures for thunderstorms
Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported 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. 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.
Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk. 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. If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid. Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes. Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows. 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. Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely. 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.
