Update: Pea-sized hail expected with thunderstorms to hit Yosemite Wednesday – gusts as high as 40 mph

Yosemite Yosemite Valley Mariposa Madera Foothills and Mariposa-Madera Lower Sierra are under an updated weather alert for strong thunderstorms by the National Weather System on Wednesday at p m The alert is in effect until p m The storms could bring pea-sized hail inches and wind gusts of up to mph At p m Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm miles southwest of Yosemite National or miles northwest of Yosemite South Entrance moving south at mph according to the NWS Hanford CA Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects Minor hail damage to vegetation is feasible Locations impacted by the alert include El Portal Badger Pass Ranger Station Crane Flat Campground Wawona Campground and Gin Flat According to the NWS If outdoors consider seeking shelter inside a building Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding Do not drive your motorcycle through flooded roadways Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm Lightning can strike miles away from a thunderstorm Seek a safe shelter inside a building or conveyance Lightning on the horizon Expert safety measures for thunderstorms Each year lightning strikes the United States approximately million times with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months Unfortunately lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately people annually as disclosed by the NWS The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away To guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm take into account the following recommendations Lightning safety plan When venturing outdoors it s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in incident of lightning 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 hazard of electrical surges as lightning can follow conductive pathways Wait for the all-clear After the last lightning strike or thunderclap wait at least minutes before resuming outdoor sessions It s pivotal 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 without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm take these strategies to maximize your safety Avoid open fields hilltops or ridge crests as they expose you to greater lightning liability Steer clear of tall isolated trees and other prominent objects In forested areas stay close to lower stands of trees If you re with a group ensure individuals are spread 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 While water and metal don t attract lightning they conduct electricity effectively and can pose crucial 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 Rain can turn roads into hazards Stay informed and follow these tips from the NWS to ensure safety during heavy rainfall Beware of rapid water flow During heavy rain avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches where swift-moving water can pose a serious liability Maintain safe driving distances Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the motorcycle 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 vulnerability 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 Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery 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 fast and safely Mind your windshield wipers Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas If the roadside is your only option pull off as far as feasible preferably past the end of a guard rail and wait until the storm passes Keep your headlights on and turn on exigency flashers to alert other drivers of your position In the face of heavy rain these precautions can make a crucial difference in ensuring your safety on the road Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local officers for a secure journey