The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 3:32 p.m. on Saturday that was in effect until 4:15 p.m. for Blair, Centre, Clinton and Huntingdon counties.

Residents should be prepared for wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour.

“At 3:32 p.m., severe thunderstorms were observed along a line extending from Milesburg through Black Moshannon State Park to Bald Eagle, moving east at 45 mph,” the weather service said. “Expect damage to roofs, siding and trees.”

Locations affected by the warning include State College, Bellefonte, Tyrone, Park Forest Village, Boalsburg, Pleasant Gap, Lamar, Stormstown, Lemont, Bald Eagle, Zion and Houserville. Radar has indicated rotations within these severe thunderstorms. Although a tornado is not immediately likely, tornadoes can develop quickly during severe thunderstorms. For those traveling on Interstate 80, this includes the areas between the Snow Shoe and Jersey Shore exits, specifically from mile markers 150 to 188, including Interstate 99 from mile markers 50 to 85.

The weather service says: “Stay in well-constructed buildings and stay away from windows. A tornado warning is in effect for central and north-central Pennsylvania until 8 p.m.”

Preparing for lightning strikes: safety tips from experts

Lightning strikes occur about 25 million times each year in the United States, with the majority of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning strikes claim the lives of about 20 people each year, according to the Weather Service. The risk of lightning strikes increases as thunderstorms approach, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. However, it gradually subsides as the storm recedes.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, follow these recommendations:

Lightning protection plan:

• If you are outdoors, it is important to have a lightning protection plan.
• Watch the sky for ominous signs and listen for sounds of thunder. If thunder is heard, it is an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Find a safe shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoor safety measures:

• If you have found shelter in a building, refrain from using corded telephones, electrical appliances or plumbing and do not approach windows and doors.
• Lightning can follow conductive paths and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

Wait for the all-clear:

• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or clap of thunder before resuming outdoor activities.
• Even when a thunderstorm appears to be over, lightning can still strike, so be careful.

If no shelter is available in the house:

If you are outdoors during a thunderstorm and do not have access to shelter, take the following steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops or mountain ridges where the risk of lightning strikes is greater.
• Stay away from tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you are traveling in a group, make sure that everyone is spread out to prevent lightning current from being transmitted between people.
• Camping outdoors during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no other options, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying area. It is important to note that a tent does not provide protection from lightning strikes.
• Do not approach bodies of water, wet objects, or metal objects. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they are good conductors of electricity and can pose significant risks.

In summary, preparation and vigilance are your best allies when you are at risk of being struck by lightning. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of being struck by lightning and put your safety first.

Driving on wet roads: Safety tips for wet weather

Heavy rains can cause flooding if they last for a long time or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be due to saturated soil and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these weather service recommendations to stay safe during heavy rain:

Be careful with fast water flow:

During heavy rain, do not park or walk near culverts or drainage ditches as fast-flowing water can pose a great danger.

Keep the safety distance:

Follow the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds to compensate for reduced traction and braking.

Slow down and be careful:

When it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and reduce the speed gradually. Never brake suddenly, otherwise the car may skid.

Choose your lane carefully:

On multi-lane roads, stay in the middle lane to minimize the risk of aquaplaning, as water tends to collect in the outer lanes.

Visibility is important:

Turn on your headlights and watch for other vehicles behind you and in your blind spot, as they are particularly difficult to see through rain-soaked windows.

Be careful on slippery roads:

During the first half hour of rain, the roads are at their most slippery due to a mixture of rain, dirt and oil. Be especially careful during this time.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Do not drive too close behind large trucks or buses. The spray created by their large tires will limit your visibility. Also be careful when overtaking; if you must overtake, do so quickly and safely.

Pay attention to your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can reduce visibility. If rain severely reduces your visibility, pull over to the side of the road and wait for conditions to improve. Seek shelter in rest areas or sheltered areas.

If you can only stop at the side of the road, position your vehicle as far from the road as possible, ideally behind guard rails. Leave your headlights on and activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers to your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risks and ensure your well-being during heavy rain. Stay informed about weather conditions and follow the advice of local authorities to ensure your trip is safe and unharmed.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots that uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.