A National Weather Service report was issued at 6:49 p.m. on Sunday, predicting severe thunderstorms until 7 p.m.

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

“At 6:49 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 12 miles east of Salisbury or near High Rock Lake, moving east at 15 mph,” the NWS explains. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow over unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to outdoor objects is possible.”

The warning applies to High Rock Lake, Gold Hill and High Rock.

The NWS adds: “If you are outdoors, seek shelter inside a building. Cloud-to-ground lightning strikes are common during this storm. If you are on or near High Rock Lake, get off the water and into a home or vehicle. Remember that lightning can strike up to 10 miles from the main storm. If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Seek safe shelter immediately! Do not be caught out on the water by a thunderstorm. A severe weather warning is in effect for the North Carolina Piedmont until 10 p.m.”

How to protect yourself from lightning strikes: Safety tips from experts

Lightning strikes occur about 25 million times each year in the United States, with most of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, about 20 people are killed by lightning strikes each year, according to the NWS. The danger from lightning strikes increases as thunderstorms approach, reaching its peak when the storm is directly overhead and gradually diminishing as it moves away.

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

Lightning protection plan:

• If you are outdoors, it is important to have a lightning protection plan.
• Watch the sky for ominous signs and listen for sounds of thunder. If thunder is heard, it is an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Find a safe shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoor safety measures:

• Avoid using corded telephones, electrical appliances or plumbing indoors and stay away from 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.
• Even when a thunderstorm appears to be over, lightning can still strike, 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 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 keeps a sufficient distance from each other to prevent the lightning current from being transmitted between people.
• It is strongly discouraged to camp outdoors during a thunderstorm. If there is no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine or other low area. Remember 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, preparation and vigilance are your best allies when you are at risk of being struck by lightning. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of being struck by lightning and put your safety first.

Navigating in heavy rain: Important safety measures for wet roads

Heavy rains can cause flooding if they are prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated soil and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these NWS recommendations to stay safe during heavy rain:

Be careful with fast water flow:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches where fast-flowing water can pose a serious hazard.

Keep the safety distance:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you, and add an additional two seconds in heavy rain.

Reduce speed and drive carefully:

On wet roads, it is extremely important to slow down. Ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane carefully:

Stay in the middle lanes to minimize the risk of aquaplaning. More water can collect in the outer 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:

During the first half hour of rain, the roads are most slippery due to a mixture of rain, dirt and oil. Be especially careful during this time.

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:

Overloaded wiper blades can reduce visibility. If rain severely reduces your visibility, pull over to the side of the road and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or 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.

In heavy rain, these precautions can go a long way to keeping you safe on the road. Remember to check weather conditions and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure a safe journey.

Source: National Weather Service