## Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Geneva and Houston Counties
At 5:44 a.m. on Monday, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Geneva and Houston counties, effective until 6:15 a.m. The warning indicated strong thunderstorms with wind gusts up to 40 mph. Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm eleven miles southwest of Dothan (near Slocomb), moving northeast at 30 mph. Gusty winds posed a risk of downed tree limbs and unsecured objects becoming airborne. The warning impacted Dothan, Hartford, Taylor, Slocomb, Malvern, Rehobeth, Green Acres, Light, W. Main/Brannon St, Dundee, Jones Crossroads, and Bald Hill. Residents were advised to seek shelter indoors if they were outside.
## Lightning Safety: Protecting Yourself During Thunderstorms
Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times annually, primarily during summer months. While fatalities are relatively low (around 20 per year), the danger is real and increases significantly when a thunderstorm is overhead. To stay safe:
Before a Storm: Develop a lightning safety plan. Monitor the sky and listen for thunder; if you hear thunder, lightning is close.
During a Storm (Indoors): Seek immediate indoor shelter. Avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors. These actions minimize the risk of electrical surges.
During a Storm (Outdoors): If indoor shelter is unavailable:
* Avoid open fields, hilltops, and ridge crests.
* Stay away from tall, isolated trees. In wooded areas, seek shelter under shorter trees.
* If in a group, spread out to prevent current transfer.
* Avoid camping in open areas; if necessary, seek a low-lying area (valleys or ravines). Tents offer no lightning protection.
* Stay away from water, wet objects, and metal objects.
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities. Lightning can strike even after the storm appears to have passed.
## Driving Safely in Heavy Rain
Heavy rain significantly increases driving hazards. The National Weather Service recommends the following precautions:
* Maintain Safe Following Distance: Use the two-second rule, adding an extra two seconds in heavy rain.
* Reduce Speed: Slow down gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
* Lane Selection: Choose middle lanes to minimize hydroplaning risks; outer lanes tend to accumulate more water.
* Visibility: Turn on headlights. Be extra cautious of other vehicles, especially those behind you and in your blind spots, which are harder to see in heavy rain.
* Slippery Roads: Roads are slickest during the first 30 minutes of rainfall.
* Large Vehicles: Maintain a greater distance from large trucks and buses due to reduced visibility from spray.
* Windshield Wipers: Ensure your wipers are functioning effectively. If visibility is severely impaired, pull over to a safe location and wait for conditions to improve.
If you must stop by the roadside, pull as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails, turn on your headlights and hazard lights.
Remember, staying informed about weather conditions and following safety guidelines are crucial for protecting yourself during severe weather events.