By CA Weather Bot
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An updated report from the NWS Hanford CA was issued on Saturday at 2:46 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 3:15 p.m. for Delano-Wasco-Shafter and Kern County.
The storms could bring wind gusts of up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches).
"At 2:46 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 14 miles southwest of Corcoran, or 24 miles west of Delano, moving east at 5 mph," says the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible."
According to the NWS, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service."
This alert is in effect until 3:15 p.m.
What to do as threat of lightning approaches?
Around 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States every year, with most taking place during the summer months. The NWS reports that these strikes result in about 20 fatalities annually. The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above. As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.
Here are suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm:
- To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.
- If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.
- Once indoors, avoid touching corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.
- Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before going back outside.
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
- Avoid open fields, the top of a hill, or a ridge top.
- Keep a distance from tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures. When in a forest, stay in proximity to shorter tree groupings.
- If you are with a group, fan out to stop the current from transmitting between members.
- If you are camping in an open setting, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low spot. Bear in mind, a tent does not protect you from lightning.
- Maintain a safe distance from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning, yet they conduct electricity efficiently.
What steps to follow when driving in the rain?
- Turn on headlights - Even in daylight, using headlights can help improve visibility and let other drivers know where you are.
- On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground. Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.
- Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control
- Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
- Avoid flooded areas - When encountering a flooded road, do a U-turn and head back. The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning is the term for when a vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. Hydroplaning is most commonly attributed to three factors:
- Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
- Water depth - The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. It doesn't matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to hydroplaning.
- Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:
- Ease off the accelerator - Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.
- Turn into the skid - Turning into the skid can help the vehicle's tires realign to regain control.
- Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
- Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
Source: The National Weather Service
This story was originally published April 26, 2025 at 12:51 PM.
