By NC Weather Bot
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The NWS Blacksburg VA issued a report at 2:40 p.m. on Saturday for strong thunderstorms until 3:15 p.m. for Rockingham County.
The storms are packing marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
"At 2:38 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Ellisboro, or 8 miles south of Madison, moving east at 25 mph," says the NWS. "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 Reidsville, Madison, Ellisboro, Bethany, Monroeton, Intelligence and Haw River State Park.
The NWS comments, "Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas, and minor flooding of creeks, streams, and areas of poor drainage. Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid hydroplaning."
This alert is in effect until 3:15 p.m.
How to react when facing a lightning hazard?
Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Most of the strikes occur in the summer, killing 20 people each year, according to the NWS. Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead. It diminishes as the storm moves away.
Here are suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm:
- To lower the risk of lightning strikes, when going outdoors, develop a plan to reach a safer spot.
- If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
- Once indoors, avoid touching corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.
- Wait for 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before going back out.
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
- Stay away from open fields, hill summits, or ridge tops.
- Avoid tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects. If you are in a forest, stick to areas with shorter tree cover.
- If you are in a group, disperse to prevent the current from passing between group members.
- When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region. Just remember, tents do not offer protection from lightning.
- Stay away from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning but they are excellent conductors of electricity.
What steps to follow when driving in the rain?
- Turn on headlights - Even in daylight, using headlights can help improve visibility and let other drivers know where you are.
- While on the road - Opt for the middle lanes and remain on higher ground. Rainwater tends to gather along the road edges.
- Avoid puddles - Driving into puddles or low rainwater areas can lead to vehicles hydroplaning or losing control.
- Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
- Avoid flooded areas - When encountering a flooded road, do a U-turn and head back. The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning is the term for when a vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. The three main causes of hydroplaning are:
- Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
- Water depth - The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. It doesn't matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to hydroplaning.
- Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:
- Ease off the accelerator - Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.
- Turn into the skid - Turning into the skid can help the vehicle's tires realign to regain control.
- Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
- Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
Source: The National Weather Service
This story was originally published April 26, 2025 at 2:44 PM.
