The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 3:06 p.m. on Friday in effect until 3:45 p.m. for Chilton, Coosa, Shelby and Talladega counties.
Wind gusts of up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail (1 inch) are foreseen.
“At 3:05 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Lay Lake, or near Talladega Springs, moving southwest at 15 mph,” according to the weather service. “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”
Locations impacted by the warning include Calera, Clanton, Columbiana, Jemison, Wilsonville, Talladega Springs, Weogufka, Thorsby, Gap Of The Mountain, Strickland Crossroads, Marble Valley, Fayetteville, Lay Lake Dam, Unity, Lay Lake, Mitchell Lake, Shelby, Minooka Park, Lomax and Alabama 4H Center.
According to the weather service, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Large hail, damaging wind, and continuous cloud to ground lightning are occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature’s leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.”
Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines
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 weather service. 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 guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.
Wait for the all-clear:
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly 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, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded 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 no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers 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, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.
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 weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of swollen waterways:
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:
If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.
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
Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
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:
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly 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 possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
“Coffee is among the most-consumed beverages in the world, and with nearly half of American adults reporting drinking at least one cup per day, it’s important for us to know what it might mean for health,” Fang Fang Zhang, senior author of the study, said.
“The health benefits of coffee might be attributable to its bioactive compounds, but our results suggest that the addition of sugar and saturated fat may reduce the mortality benefits.”
The study found that drinking black coffee and coffee with low levels of added sugar and saturated fat were associated with a 14% lower risk of all-cause mortality as compared to no coffee consumption.
But for coffee with high amounts of added sugar and saturated fat, results varied.
The study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2018 and National Death Index Mortality Data.
Among the studied 46,332 U.S. adults aged 20 or over, 7,074 people have died. Those deaths were then cross-referenced against coffee consumption, according to reports.
The researchers found that people who drink coffee showed a lower risk of all-cause mortality, but when more than a little sugar and saturated fat was added, the risks were heightened.
While limited in scope, the study suggests that drinking caffeinated coffee could help you live longer, while decaffeinated coffee drinkers saw no difference in mortality rates. And taking sugar, milk and cream in your coffee could increase mortality.
“Few studies have examined how coffee additives could impact the link between coffee consumption and mortality risk, and our study is among the first to quantify how much sweetener and saturated fat are being added,” researcher Bingjie Zhou said.
“Our results align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans which recommend limiting added sugar and saturated fat.”
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Friday at 2:52 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 3:30 p.m. for Shelby, Talladega and Coosa counties.
Wind gusts of up to 40 mph and nickel-sized hail (0.88 inches) are anticipated.
“At 2:52 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Fayetteville, or over Talladega Springs, moving west at 5 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Sylacauga, Columbiana, Wilsonville, Talladega Springs, Weogufka, Fayetteville, Strickland Crossroads, Lay Lake Dam, Unity, Marble Valley, Lay Lake, Mitchell Lake, Shelby, Beeswax Creek Park, Alabama 4H Center, Cedar Creek, Shelby Shores, Highway 145, CR 46, Paint Creek and and Kelley Branch.
The weather service adds, “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 vehicle through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”
Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations
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 weather service. 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 protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
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 without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded 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 no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers 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, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.
Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather
Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:
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 risk.
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.
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 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:
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 impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
An updated severe thunderstorm warning was released by the National Weather Service on Friday at 3:07 p.m. in effect until 3:30 p.m. for Lowndes and Montgomery counties.
The storms are anticipated to bring quarter-sized hail (1 inch) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
“At 3:07 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Dannelly Field, or 9 miles northeast of Hayneville, moving west at 10 mph,” states the weather service. “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”
Locations impacted by the warning include Southwestern Montgomery, Hayneville, Lowndesboro, Dannelly Field, Hope Hull, Woodcrest, Pintlala, Manack and Letohatchee.
The weather service states, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Continuous cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature’s leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.”
Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert advice
Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. 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 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 shelter promptly in a safe location, 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.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly 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 wooded 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 no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers 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, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.
Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall
When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:
Beware of rapid water flow:
In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.
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:
Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
Prioritize visibility
Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
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:
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 possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on 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.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
An updated report was issued from the National Weather Service on Friday at 2:46 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 3:30 p.m. for Butler and Crenshaw counties.
Residents can be ready for wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 2:45 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 7 miles east of Greenville, moving west at 15 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”
The alert is for Greenville.
The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”
Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice
Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. 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 ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:
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.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly 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 steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which 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. While water and metal don’t 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.
Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads
Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:
Beware of swollen waterways:
In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.
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.
Slow down and drive with care:
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.
Visibility matters:
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant 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 quickly 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.
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.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
An updated report from the National Weather Service was issued on Friday at 2:56 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 3:45 p.m. for Bullock and Pike counties.
Prepare for nickel-sized hail (0.88 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 2:56 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Banks, or 10 miles north of Brundidge. This thunderstorm was nearly stationary,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Troy, Brundidge, Banks, Linwood, Antioch, Sandfield, Brundidge Municipal Airport, Monticello and Josie.
The weather service states, “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 vehicle through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”
Lightning on the horizon: Expert safety measures for thunderstorms
Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. 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 ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.
Wait for the all-clear:
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly 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 wooded 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 no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers 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 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.
Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall
Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of swollen waterways:
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.
Slow down and stay cautious:
If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.
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
Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
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.
If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
WWE Friday Night SmackDown will be a little different this week. July 4th falls on Friday, which means this week’s show was pre-recorded in order to give wrestlers off for the holiday. The show was taped immediately after Monday Night Raw this week.
There’s a strict no-filming policy when the WWE does things like this, but some managed to come away with spoilers from the event. One major spoiler is that WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus made her return and will challenge Tiffany Stratton at Evolution 2 for the women’s title. The winner will face Jade Cargill at SummerSlam.
Fans looking to watch SmackDown this week can do so for free using a free trial offered by DIRECTV. Also, Sling offers a solid first-month discount to new users.
Last week, the WWE was in Saudi Arabia for Night of Champions 2025. Cody Rhodes defeated Randy Orton to win King of the Ring. On the other side, Jade Cargill took down Asuka to win Queen of the Ring.
Fans looking to watch SmackDown this week can do so for free using a free trial offered by DIRECTV. Also, Sling offers a solid first-month discount to new users.
SmackDown will take place on Friday at 8 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. CT.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Those hoping to tune in and see what some of the most memorable and noteworthy 90 Day couples have been up to can stream the hit TLC series through Philo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).
What is 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After about?
For those unfamiliar with the 90 Day franchise series, 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? sets out to see how the relationship has worked out for several couples from the original show.
This spinoff reveals what has gone on in the lives of the returning couples. Among the issues the couples have faced are criticism from their loved ones and on social media, potentially have to move away from the hometowns, and pregnancy struggles.
What to expect from 90 Day Fiancé season 9
According to TLC, season nine is set to bring viewers deep inside the relationships of some of the most memorable couples including Gino and Jasmine, Brandon and Julia, Tigerlily and Adnan, Kara and Guillermo, Jovi and Yara, Elizabeth and Andrei, Loren and Alexei, and Darcey and Georgi.
Throughout the upcoming season, those tuning in will witness all their highs and lows, from miscommunication and open relationships to family conflict and new beginnings.
Additionally, a new element to this season, the season nine couples will weigh in on each other’s drama with intertwining storylines, blurred boundaries and unexpected interactions.
The season nine premiere episode introduces the season’s drama early as Gino heads to Vegas for some secret fun. Meanwhile, Jasmine struggles with her new reality and Darcey and Georgi celebrate a relationship milestone.
Also bringing the heat into season nine’s debut episode, Loren and Alex host a heated barbecue that Elizabeth, Andrei, Jovi and Yara attend.
How to watch 90 Day Fiancé season 9
Those hoping to tune into this can’t-miss season can stream the popular TLC series even without access to traditional cable through Philo, DirecTV or Sling.
Both Philo and DirecTV offer free trials while Sling offers those that commit to a paid subscription half off their first month and one month free of AMC+.
Out of the three streaming services mentioned above, Philo is the cheapest option at just $28 a month after its 7-day free trial concludes.
What is Philo?
Philo is considered one of the most affordable streaming platforms on the market. Known as an entertainment-focused streaming service, Philo offers its subscribers access to over 70 top-rated TV channels such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more.
New users can enjoy Philo’s 7-day free trial and continue to stream top channels, hit TV shows and movies on-demand for just $28 a month once the free trial expires.
Those looking to customize their flow of content even further on Philo can consider including add-ons such as MGM+, STARZ, and AMC+ in their subscription.
What is DirecTV?
DirecTV is a top streaming service perfect for those looking to access a plethora of live TV channels and enjoy helpful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular TV channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNBC, BET, CNN and more.
DirecTV has also recently introduced a lineup of genre packs, which allows subscribers to choose their favorite viewing options based on what genre they watch the most. With genre packs, users can get the channels and content they want without filler channel overload. Packs start at just $34.99 a month.
Those interested in comparing all DirecTV’s channel packages and the new genre packs can check them out here.
What is Sling?
Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to access top-rated TV channels like TLC. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those who commit to a paid plan get half off the first month and one month free of AMC+.
Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month, but with the current promotion, Sling users will pay just $23 a month for the first month.
For those who wish to access channels from both the Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans can do so by signing up for the Orange + Blue plan, which combines the best of both plans for just $60.99 a month ($30.50 for the first month).
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It’s been just two months since the Jacksonville Jaguars made a shocking trade to move up to No.2 overall and select CB/WR Travis Hunter. Every NFL team is currently on break for the summer, with training camp just a few short weeks away. The biggest holiday between that time is July 4th.
NFL Shop is currently running a July 4th sale on tons of items, as the Jaguars items on sale can be viewed here. We were able to find several Travis Hunter items already at a discount with this limited time sale:
In order to grab the sale price on any of these items, Jags fans will need to enter code “NFLFIREWORKS” at checkout.
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There are always new online sweepstakes casinos launching in the US. One of the most exciting is SweepNext, a comprehensive gaming platform offering a great selection of slots and live dealer games.
This sweeps casino is also gaining recognition for offering some incredible bonus offers. With the SweepNext promo code, new players are able to earn a 150% first purchase bonus, offering 250,000 Gold Coins and 25 free Sweeps Coins for just $9.99.
Learn what exactly this incredible new sweepstakes casino has to offer players here.
SweepNext promo code: How to claim this offer
Every online sweepstakes casino provides its new players with incredible welcome offers. Of course, some of these offers are far better than others. The welcome bonus from SweepNext is extremely generous and can be claimed in just a few minutes.
Click the ‘Register’ button on the SweepNext landing page.
Create a new account with SweepNext by entering your name, date of birth, and agreeing to the Terms and Conditions.
Claim the signup offer of 200,000 Gold Coins and 2 free Sweeps Coins.
Make a Gold Coins purchase of $9.99 and earn a 150% bonus offering 250,000 Gold Coins and 25 free Sweeps Coins.
This bonus has quickly helped establish SweepNext as one of the best sweepstakes casinos in the country.
All new players will receive 200,000 Gold Coins and 2 free Sweeps Coins with no purchase required. Those who want to boost their bankroll will earn a 150% bonus on their first purchase of $9.99, offering 250,000 Gold Coins and 25 free Sweeps Coins.
SweepNext promo code terms and conditions
Like all real money casinos and sweeps casinos, SweepNext provides clear terms and conditions to players. It’s easy to find the rules for nearly every aspect of this gaming platform.
Members of SweepNext will have no issues finding the rules connected to the welcome offer. Below, I highlight some of these rules and include some other basic terms connected to this platform as a whole.
SweepNext only accepts players above the age of 21.
SweepNext cannot be accessed by players in Connecticut, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New York and Washington.
All Sweeps Coins come with a 1x playthrough requirement.
The welcome offer is earned with a first purchase of $9.99.
There is nothing unusual about the terms and conditions at SweepNext. This platform has already gained an excellent reputation among players and offers a great customer support system to help answer questions.
Best game to play at SweepNext this weekend
The game selection at SweepNext is very impressive. Players have access to a huge variety of slots and live dealer games.
There is a great selection of high RTP slots available from many of the top developers in the country. Learn about one of the best games to play at SweepNext this weekend below.
Wild Dragon Riches
A screenshot of the Wild Dragon Riches slot game.SweepNext
One of the most intriguing online slot games offered by SweepNext right now is Wild Dragon Riches. This is a five-reel slot game launched by Spinomenal in 2024.
It has a somewhat low RTP of 92.06%, yet provides enough bonus features to help players earn some great payouts.
The free spins round connected to Wild Dragon Riches is excellent. This is triggered by landing three or more scatter free symbols on the grid. Players can earn a maximum of 100 free spins with some massive multipliers up for grabs.
Players can also choose to “buy” the free spins round. Several purchase options are available and this can be a great way for players to quickly earn a huge payout.
This game’s graphics also look incredible. It appears to be set in Ancient China. While it doesn’t offer quite as many unique graphics as some other popular slots, it still looks fantastic and offers a sleek, seamless playing experience.
There are a huge number of popular slots available at SweepNext. Many of the games here are considered the most popular real money slots offered by the country’s biggest casino sites. Check it out today and explore all of the fun gaming options available.
If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.