Pea-sized hail hits Northern California Tuesday – gusts up to 40 mph – The Mercury News

The Marin Coastal Range, Coastal North Bay including Point Reyes National Seashore and North Bay Interior Valleys and San Francisco County are under a severe thunderstorm warning by the National Weather Service Tuesday at 7:36 pm The warning is in effect until 8 pm.

Catch pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts up to 40 mph.

“At 7:36 pm, Doppler radar tracked a severe thunderstorm over Stinson Beach, or 11 miles southwest of San Rafael, moving east at 35 mph,” according to NWS San Francisco CA. “Stormy winds can knock down tree limbs and blow onto unsecured structures. Minor damage to outdoor structures is possible.”

Areas affected by the warning include San Rafael, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Fairfax, Sausalito, Kentfield, Tamalpais-Homestead, Muir Beach, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Stinson Beach, Strawberry, Ross, Santa Venetia and Bolinas.

The NWS said, “Monitor the weather closely and be aware of threatening weather conditions.”

Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert advice

Each year, lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times, mostly during the summer. It claims the lives of about 20 people a year, according to the NWS. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as a thunderstorm approaches, is more pronounced when the storm is directly overhead and gradually decreases as it moves away.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:

Lightning protection system:

• When you go outside, it’s important to have a light security system in place.
• Keep a watchful eye on the sky for ominous signs and listen for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is heard, it is a clear sign of nearby lightning.
• Seek a safe shelter, preferably indoors.

Internal security measures:

• Once you’ve taken shelter indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing, and stay away from windows and doors.
• Lightning can follow variable paths, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrocution.

Expect the all clear:

• After the last lightning or thunderstorm, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• Lightning can strike even when the storm seems to have passed, so be careful.

If indoor shelter is not available:

If you find yourself outside without access to an indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to increase your safety:

• Avoid open areas, hilltops, or hills, which put you at greater risk of lightning.
• Avoid tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to low areas of trees.
• If you have a group, make sure that individuals are spread out to prevent lightning from passing between people.
• Camping in the open during thunderstorms is highly discouraged. If you have no other option, camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying area. It is important to note that the tent does not provide protection from lightning.
• Do not go near watery areas, wet objects, or metal objects. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity well and can cause serious accidents.

In short, when faced with the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best friends. By following these guidelines, you can greatly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and put your safety first.

Navigating Rainy Roads: Wet Weather Safety Tips

Heavy rain may lead to flooding if it lasts for a long time or if the water flows too much. Excessive runoff can be the result of soil saturation and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the NWS to stay safe in heavy rain:

Note the rapid flow of water:

During heavy rains, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where fast-moving water can be dangerous.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two second rule to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Slow down and drive carefully:

If it’s raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop slowly. Never apply the brakes suddenly as this may cause the vehicle to skid.

Choose your route wisely:

Stay in the center lanes – water tends to pool on the outside lanes.

Visibility is important:

Improve your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be especially aware of vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can hide them.

Beware of slippery roads:

Be especially careful during the first half hour after the rain starts. Grit and oil on the road are mixed with water to make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from larger vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass carefully.

Take care of your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. If visibility is so low that the edges of the road or other vehicles can’t be seen in the distance, it’s time to back off and wait for the rain to clear. It is better to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

If the side of the road is your only option, get as far away as possible, perhaps past the end of the guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on your emergency lights to alert other drivers of your situation.

If you are faced with heavy rain, these precautions can make a big difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and listen to guidance from local authorities for a safe trip.

For more weather advisories in the Bay Area, visit Weather Advisories