At 8:28 p.m. on Sunday, the National Weather Service issued a report predicting severe thunderstorms for York and Lancaster counties until 9:00 p.m.

The storms can bring wind gusts of up to 55 miles per hour and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches).

“At 8:26 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Willow Street, moving southeast at 15 mph,” the weather service explains. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow over unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Places affected by the warning include Willow Street, Paradise, Strasburg, Brogue, Smithville, Shenks Ferry, Holtwood, Sunnyburn, Safe Harbor, Susquehanna Trails, Lampeter, Conestoga, Gordonville, Bird-In-Hand, Smoketown, Refton, Buck, Rawlinsville, Airville and Dutch Wonderland.

The weather service comments: “If you are outdoors, seek shelter inside a building. This storm will also produce very heavy rainfall, which may cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. A severe weather warning is in effect for south-central Pennsylvania 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 the majority of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning strikes claim the lives of about 20 people each year, according to the Weather Service. The risk of lightning strikes increases as thunderstorms approach, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. However, it gradually subsides as the storm recedes.

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

Lightning protection plan:

• When you are outdoors, it is important to have a clear plan for seeking shelter in the event of a lightning strike.
• Stay alert by watching the skies for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it is a clear sign of lightning nearby.
• Find a safe shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoor safety measures:

• If you have found shelter in a building, refrain from using corded telephones, electrical appliances or plumbing and do not approach windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive paths.

Wait for the all-clear:

• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or clap of thunder before resuming outdoor activities.
• Remember that lightning can still strike even after a storm appears to have passed, 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 is spread out to prevent lightning current from being transmitted between people.
• Camping outdoors during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no other options, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying area. It is important to note 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.

Driving in heavy rain: safety tips for wet roads

Rain can make roads dangerous. Stay informed and follow these weather service tips to stay safe during heavy rain:

Be careful with fast water flow:

During heavy rain, do not park or walk near culverts or drainage ditches as fast-flowing water can pose a great danger.

Keep the safety distance:

Follow the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds to compensate for reduced traction and braking.

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:

On multi-lane roads, stay in the middle lane to minimize the risk of aquaplaning, as water tends to collect in the outer lanes.

Visibility is important:

In heavy rain, turn on your headlights to improve your visibility. Watch for vehicles in your blind spot as rain-smeared windows can obscure their view.

Be careful of slippery roads:

Be especially careful in the first half hour after the rain starts. Dirt and oil on the road surface mix with water and make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Do not drive too close behind large trucks or buses. The spray created by their large tires will limit your visibility. Also be careful when overtaking; if you must overtake, do so quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

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

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.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots that uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.