Weather in New York: Weather warning for severe thunderstorms in Delaware and Sullivan counties on Sunday afternoon

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Delaware and Sullivan counties at 3:14 p.m. on Sunday until 3:45 p.m.

Residents could have to contend with wind gusts of up to 80 km/h.

“At 3:14 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Stalker, 17 miles north of Honesdale, moving northeast at 20 miles per hour,” the weather service explains. “Gusty winds could tear down tree limbs and blow over unsecured objects.”

Places affected by the warning include Fremont, Equinunk, East Branch, Stalker, Peabrook, Hankins, Callicoon Center and Lookout.

According to the weather service: “If you are outdoors, seek shelter inside a building. This storm may intensify, so be sure to listen to local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible National Weather Service warnings. A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect for central New York and northeastern Pennsylvania until 10 p.m.”

How to stay safe from lightning strikes: Expert advice

Lightning strikes occur about 25 million times each year in the United States, with the majority of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning strikes claim the lives of about 20 people each year, according to the Weather Service. The risk of lightning strikes increases as thunderstorms approach, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. However, it gradually subsides as the storm recedes.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, follow these recommendations:

Lightning protection plan:

• When you are outdoors, it is important to have a clear plan for seeking shelter in the event of a lightning strike.
• Stay alert by watching the skies for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it is a clear sign of lightning nearby.
• Immediately seek shelter in a safe place, preferably indoors.

Indoor safety measures:

• If you have found shelter in a building, refrain from using corded telephones, electrical appliances or plumbing and do not approach windows and doors.
• Lightning can follow conductive paths and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

Wait for the all-clear:

• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or clap of thunder before resuming outdoor activities.
• Remember that lightning can still strike even after a storm appears to have passed, so be careful.

If no shelter is available in the house:

If you are outdoors during a thunderstorm and do not have access to shelter, take the following steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops or mountain ridges where the risk of lightning strikes is greater.
• Stay away from tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you are traveling in a group, make sure that everyone is spread out to prevent lightning current from being transmitted between people.
• Camping outdoors during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no other options, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying area. It is important to note that a tent does not provide protection from lightning strikes.
• Do not approach bodies of water, wet objects, or metal objects. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they are good conductors of electricity and can pose significant risks.

In summary, vigilance and preparation are your best allies when you are at risk of being struck by lightning. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning accidents and put your safety first.

Rain showers on the roads: Important safety tips for heavy rain

When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and dangerous driving conditions increases. Whether it's persistent rain or rapid runoff, it's important to be prepared. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to help you stay safe during heavy rain:

Be careful with fast water flow:

During heavy rain, do not park or walk near culverts or drainage ditches as fast-flowing water can pose a great danger.

Keep the safety distance:

In heavy rain, the two-second following rule is helpful. Increase it to four seconds to ensure a safe following distance in adverse conditions.

Reduce speed and drive carefully:

On wet roads, it is important to reduce speed. Slowly ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane carefully:

Stay in the middle lanes as water often collects in the outside lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Improve your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Pay particular attention to vehicles in your blind spot, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Be careful of slippery roads:

Be especially careful in the first half hour after the rain starts. Dirt and oil on the road surface mix with water and make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid following them too closely and overtake them quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that you can no longer see the edge of the road or other vehicles at a safe distance, it is time to stop and wait for the rain to subside. It is best to stop at rest areas or other sheltered areas.

If the side of the road is your only option, pull over as far as possible, preferably to the end of a guardrail, and wait for the storm to pass. Keep your headlights on and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risks and ensure your well-being during heavy rain. Stay informed about weather conditions and follow the advice of local authorities to ensure your trip is safe and unharmed.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots that uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.