Summer storm brings thunder, lightning and rain to the AV

The National Weather Service issued special weather advisories Wednesday morning for several parts of the region warning of rain, possible lightning strikes, heavy winds and thunder.

Officials said mountain and desert areas could see more extreme weather through the afternoon.

Kern County firefighters currently on scene of multiple small vegetation fires started by lightning.

Safety Tips For Driving In The Rain

Slow Down!

Leave at least five seconds of following distance between your own car and the one in front, and don’t feel pressure to drive the posted speed limit. “The speed [listed] on the side of the highway is the maximum speed for perfect weather and perfect road conditions, so if the road is wet, it could be too fast for existing conditions,

While this may seem like common sense, some people forget to turn on their windshield wipers in light rain. Most cars’ windshield wiper speed is adjustable to clear moisture from the glass in a light mist or in a heavy downpour. There are also several products available that can be sprayed or wiped onto the glass and claim to defer the collection of rainwater. (Source: https://m.driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-drive-in-rain/)

Avoid Heavy Braking Try to slow your vehicle by taking your foot off the accelerator earlier than you normally would in preparation to slow down or stop. Don’t use cruise control so your attention on using both the gas and brake are in tune. (Source: https://m.driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-drive-in-rain/)

Watch Out For Standing Water Driving through standing water can cause hydroplaning to occur. Which is when you lose traction and skid across the surface of the road. To avoid hydroplaning, drive around places where water has collected by changing lanes or safely steering around such areas. (Source: https://m.driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-drive-in-rain/)

Ventilate Your Car Rain causes humidity levels to increase. You may find that your vehicle’s windows become foggy when you operate your vehicle while it is raining. Most cars’ ventilation systems include a function that will work to reduce this type of fog that develops on the interior of your windows and windshield. It may be necessary to pull over if you are no longer able to see through your windows. (Source: https://m.driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-drive-in-rain/)

Avoid Heavy Braking Try to slow your vehicle by taking your foot off the accelerator earlier than you normally would in preparation to slow down or stop. Don’t use cruise control so your attention on using both the gas and brake are in tune. (Source: https://m.driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-drive-in-rain/)

A strong storm over Lancaster is producing a lot of lightning, gusty winds, and rain. Lightning in June is not unheard of, especially across the mountains and deserts. It can occur during any time of the year but causes the most fatalities during the summer. Here are some precautionary steps to ensure you’re prepared during a thunderstorm! #NationalSafetyMonth

✅ #WhenThunderRoarsGoIndoors! Move from outdoors into a building or car with a roof for 30 minutes after you last hear thunder.

✅ Pay close attention to alerts and warning signs.

✅ Be cautious of any fallen trees and power lines. Report them immediately.

❌ Avoid using electronic devices connected to an electrical outlet.

❌ Avoid using running water.

❌ Do not drive through flooded roadways. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

For information on whether it is safe to go outside and instructions on probable flash flooding, pay attention to the authorities and weather forecasts. To learn more on how to take safety precautions, visit www.ready.gov/thunderstorms-lightning.

Contributors to this story , City of Lancaster