A severe thunderstorm watch was issued by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 1:25 p.m. in effect until 9 p.m. for Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice
Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, mostly during the summer. Lightning claims the lives of about 20 people annually, according to the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:
Lightning safety plan:
- When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
- Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
- Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
- Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
- Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.
Wait for the all-clear:
- After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
- It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:…