Weather Advisory |

Update: Brace for thunderstorms and showers in Los Angeles County until early Thursday evening

Los Angeles County is included in an updated report for thunderstorms and showers by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 5:42 a.m. The alert is in effect until 5 p.m.

“Expect scattered small, fast-moving showers to move across the region today. A few thunderstorms will also be possible. The rain will not last long at any one location, but rainfall amounts will be locally heavy. Minor flooding, mud slides, rock slides, and debris flows may occur with the most intense activity, especially in and around burn scars. Small hail will also be possible, along with gusty winds. In addition, a few of the more intense showers and thunderstorms could produce funnel clouds. While tornadoes are not immediately likely, the atmospheric conditions are favorable for storm rotation, and perhaps a couple of small, brief, and weak tornadoes. If a storm approaches your location, or if you sense the winds picking up, or if you see a tornado, take shelter indoors and in the interior part of the lowest floor,” says the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA.

The full list of affected locations includes:

• 5 Freeway corridor near Santa Clarita
• Cuyama Valley
• Catalina/Santa Barbara Islands
• Santa Clarita Valley
• San Luis Obispo County Beaches
• San Luis Obispo County Inland Central Coast
• Santa Lucia Mountains
• Southern Salinas Valley
• San Luis Obispo County Interior Valleys
• San Luis Obispo County Mountains
• Santa Barbara County Central Coast Beaches
• Santa Barbara County Inland Central Coast
• Santa Ynez Valley
• Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast
• Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast
• Santa Ynez Mountains Western Range
• Santa Ynez Mountains Eastern Range
• Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains
• Ventura County Beaches
• Ventura County Inland Coast
• Lake Casitas
• Ojai Valley
• Central Ventura County Valleys
• Malibu
• Los Angeles County Beaches
• Palos Verdes Peninsula
• Los Angeles County Inland Coast including Downtown Los Angeles
• Western Santa Monica Mountains Recreational area
• Eastern Santa Monica Mountains Recreational area
• Calabasas/Agoura Hills
• San Fernando Valley
• Southeastern Ventura County Valleys
• Santa Susana Mountains
• Southern Ventura County Mountains
• Northern Ventura County Mountains
• Western San Gabriel Mountains/Highway 14 Corridor
• Eastern San Gabriel Mountains
• Western Antelope Valley Foothills
• Eastern Antelope Valley Foothills
• Antelope Valley
• San Gabriel Valley
• San Miguel/Santa Rosa Islands
• Santa Cruz/Anacapa Islands

When lightning looms: Expert safety tips for thunderstorms

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the NWS. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
• Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
• Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

• After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the NWS to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Beware of rapid water flow:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

Prioritize visibility

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.

When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the NWS to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of rapid water flow:

• During heavy rain, avoid playing near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

• The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

Slow down and drive with care:

• On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

• Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

Visibility matters:

• Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

• The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

• Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots. When stopping roadside, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.