Thunderstorms may bring lightning, hail, wind gusts
Isolated thunderstorms are expected to strike the Bay Area early this week, bringing the potential for lightning strikes, the National Weather Service said.
An offshore lowpressure system was to bring rain to the region late Monday afternoon, leading to cold and showery weather through Wednesday. Forecasters said thunderstorms are possible Tuesday and Wednesday with lightning, gusts and small hail.
The thunderstorms likely will be at their strongest Tuesday afternoon, with a decent likelihood of a strike or two, according to forecasters. Weather officials said they will monitor areas burned by last year’s wildfires “very closely.”
According to the weather service, lightning strikes the U.S. about 25 million times a year, and the bolts of electricity can reach temperatures around 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit — hotter than the surface of the sun.
Lightning strikes killed 17 people in the U.S. last year, according to the NWS.
Here are some tips and reminders from the weather service to stay safe during this week’s thunderstorms:
⏩ No place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area. If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike.
⏩ If you hear thunder, seek shelter in a sturdy building or in an enclosed, metaltopped vehicle with the windows rolled up. Stay in the shelter for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.
⏩ Do not use or touch corded phones, computers, outlets or any other electrical equipment.
⏩ Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
⏩ Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls.
⏩ Avoid using indoor plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets during lightning storms.
⏩ If caught outside without safe objects that conduct electricity, such as barbedwire fences or power lines.