The National Weather Service issued a weather alert on Friday for strong thunderstorms in Cherokee County, with wind gusts of up to 40 mph expected. Residents were urged to seek shelter indoors due to the potential for lightning strikes and localized flooding. Lightning safety tips were provided, including creating a plan for seeking shelter, avoiding electrical appliances indoors, and waiting 30 minutes after the storm passes before resuming outdoor activities. For those caught outdoors during a thunderstorm, it was recommended to avoid open fields, tall trees, water bodies, and metal objects to minimize the risk of lightning strikes.
Additionally, the weather service provided safety guidelines for driving in heavy rain, including maintaining safe distances, reducing speed, and prioritizing visibility by using headlights. Tips for positioning your vehicle when stopping on the roadside during heavy rain were also given to ensure safety.
The weather alert and safety recommendations were part of the Advance Local Weather Alerts service provided by United Robots, utilizing machine learning to compile up-to-date data from the National Weather Service. By following these precautions and staying informed about weather conditions, individuals can reduce the risk of accidents and prioritize their safety during severe weather events.
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