Riverside & La Paz Counties Braced for Monday Thunderstorms, Potential for Damaging Winds
Residents of Riverside and La Paz counties were advised to exercise caution Monday as thunderstorms with the potential for damaging winds moved into the region. The National Weather service (NWS) highlighted the risks associated with both lightning and heavy rainfall, offering guidance for staying safe during these conditions.
Lightning Safety: Indoors is Best
The safest place to be during a thunderstorm is indoors.Buildings with wiring and plumbing provide a degree of protection. However, it’s crucial to avoid contact with anything that conducts electricity, including corded phones, electrical equipment, and plumbing fixtures.
When indoor shelter isn’t available, specific precautions are necessary. Individuals outdoors should avoid open fields, hilltops, and ridge crests, which increase lightning risk. Tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects should also be avoided; in wooded areas, staying close to lower stands of trees is recommended. If in a group, maintaining distance between individuals is vital to prevent lightning current transfer.Camping in open settings during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged, and if unavoidable, setting up camp in a valley or low-lying area is advised – though a tent offers no protection from lightning. It’s also vital to stay away from water bodies, wet objects, and metal items, as these conduct electricity effectively.
Navigating Wet Roads: driving Safety in Heavy Rain
Alongside the threat of lightning, heavy rainfall increases the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions. The NWS provided several safety tips for drivers:
* Avoid Drainage Areas: Do not park or walk near culverts or drainage ditches due to the danger of swift-moving water.
* Increase Following Distance: Extend the typical two-second following distance to four seconds in heavy rain.
* Reduce Speed: Slow down gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
* Lane Choice: Utilize the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.
* Maximize Visibility: Turn on headlights and be vigilant for other vehicles, particularly in blind spots.
* Be Aware of Road Conditions: Exercise extra caution during the first half hour of rainfall, as grime and oil on the road surface create slippery conditions.
* Maintain Distance from Large Vehicles: Avoid tailgating trucks and buses, as their tire spray can reduce visibility.
* Wiper Maintenance: Ensure wiper blades are functioning effectively; if rain severely impairs vision, pull over to a safe location, such as a rest area, and wait for conditions to improve.
If stopping by the roadside is necessary, drivers should position their vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails, and activate headlights and emergency flashers to alert other drivers.
Staying informed about weather conditions and heeding advice from local authorities are key to ensuring a safe journey during heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Originally Published: October 13,2025 at 8:30 AM PDT.
