The National Weather Service (NWS) Eureka issued an updated weather alert Thursday evening, warning residents of strong thunderstorms impacting parts of Mendocino County. The alert remained active until 8:30 p.m., with meteorologists urging residents to stay alert and take immediate safety precautions.
Storm Producing Gusty Winds and Frequent Lightning
According to the NWS, Doppler radar detected a strong thunderstorm near Point Arena at 8 p.m., moving northeast at roughly 15 mph. Forecasters warned of wind gusts up to 40 mph, capable of knocking down tree limbs and blowing around unsecured outdoor items.
Communities under the alert included Point Arena, Boonville, and Manchester. Officials emphasized that the storm was producing frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, which can strike up to 10 miles away from the core of the storm. Residents were urged to monitor changing conditions and seek immediate shelter inside a building or vehicle.
Safety Guidance During Lightning Threat
With millions of lightning strikes occurring in the U.S. each year, the NWS stressed that lightning remains a significant threat to life and property. Safety experts recommend that residents:
- Have a plan to reach shelter before going outdoors
- Seek shelter immediately if thunder is heard
- Avoid corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing, and windows once inside
- Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before going back outside
If shelter is not available, people should avoid open fields, hilltops, isolated trees, water, and metal objects—all of which increase the risk of injury due to electrical conductivity.
Driving Precautions During Heavy Rain
Drivers caught in heavy rainfall should take extra precautions to avoid accidents or hydroplaning. The NWS advises:
- Turn on headlights to improve visibility
- Avoid large puddles and low-lying areas
- Give large vehicles extra space due to water spray
- Make a U-turn if encountering a flooded roadway
- Stay in middle lanes where water accumulation is lower
Hydroplaning occurs when tires lose traction due to a thin layer of water on the road. To regain control, drivers should ease off the accelerator, steer gently in the direction of the skid, and allow the tires to reconnect with the pavement before braking lightly.
Summary
Strong thunderstorms brought gusty winds, heavy lightning, and dangerous driving conditions to coastal and inland Mendocino County Thursday evening. The NWS urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid risky outdoor activity, and take proper safety steps during storm activity. Stay updated with the latest weather alerts, safety advisories, and breaking news at HonkNews.com.