Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issues for Chilton and Coosa Counties
On Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 1:30 p.m. for Chilton and Coosa counties, effective until 2 p.m. Residents should prepare for wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph as the storm moves northeast at 20 mph, with the current storm located over Higgins Ferry Park, approximately nine miles east of Clanton. Potential damages include impacted roofs, siding, and trees.
Affected areas include Clanton, Rockford, Lyle, and several other communities. Residents are advised to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building for protection.
As thunderstorms pose an increased risk of lightning, experts stress the importance of having a lightning safety plan. Each year, the U.S. experiences around 25 million lightning strikes, leading to roughly 20 fatalities. During a storm, people should seek indoor shelter immediately, refrain from using corded phones or electrical appliances, and avoid windows. After the last thunder or lightning strike, individuals should wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
For those caught outdoors, staying away from tall trees and open fields is critical, as well as spreading out from groups to minimize risks from lightning strikes. In the event of heavy rain, motorists are reminded to maintain extended following distances and drive cautiously to prevent skidding.
To stay safe in severe weather, residents should heed these guidelines and stay informed of rapidly changing conditions. Advance Local Weather Alerts, powered by United Robots and machine learning, keep communities updated on the latest developments from the National Weather Service.
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