The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Northwestern Riverside County.

Specific areas mentioned in the advisory include, Riverside, Moreno Valley, and the areas of Woodcrest and March Air Reserve Base.

Thunder can be heard across many areas of the Inland Empire.  The storm has the potential of producing large hail, lightning and heavy rain.

If you can hear thunder, and are outside, you may be in danger of being struck by lightning.

What to do during a thunderstorm:

Seek Shelter:

• Look for a large, enclosed building when a thunder or lightning storm threatens. That’s the best choice.
• If you are in a car and it has a hard top, stay inside and keep the windows rolled up.
• Avoid small sheds and lean-tos or partial shelters, like pavilions.
• Stay at least a few feet away from open windows, sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, electric boxes and outlets, and appliances. Lightning can flow through and “jump” to a person.
• Do not shower or take a bath during a thunder or lightning storm.
• Avoid using regular telephones, except in an emergency.  If lightning hits the telephone lines, it could flow to the phone.  Cell or cordless phones, not connected to the building’s wiring, are safe to use.

If you are caught outside: (If you are unable to reach a safe building or car, knowing what to do can save your life.)

• If your skin tingles or your hair stands on the end, a lightning strike may be about to happen.  Crouch down on the balls of your feet with your feet close together.  Keep your hands on your knees and lower your head.  Get as low as possible without touching your hands or knees to the ground.  DO NOT LIE DOWN!
• If you are swimming, fishing or boating and there are clouds, dark skies and distant rumbles of thunder or flashes of lightning, get to land immediately and seek shelter.
• If you are in a boat and cannot get to shore, crouch down in the middle of the boat.  Go below if possible.
• If you are on land, find a low spot away from trees, metal fences, pipes, tall or long objects.
• Stay away from trees, or look for an area of shorter trees.  Crouch down away from tree trunks.

Filed under Headline

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Not working? Click here!