The National Weather Service issued a weather alert for strong thunderstorms in Berkshire County, with wind gusts of up to 40 mph expected. Locations impacted include Albany, Troy, and Bennington. Residents are advised to seek shelter indoors and avoid driving through flooded roadways. Lightning safety measures are also highlighted, as lightning strikes the U.S. approximately 25 million times per year, claiming about 20 lives annually. Recommendations include establishing a lightning safety plan, seeking indoor shelter during storms, and waiting at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike before resuming outdoor activities. In the event of being outdoors during a thunderstorm, individuals are advised to avoid tall objects, open fields, and water bodies to minimize lightning risk. Additionally, essential safety measures for navigating heavy rain on roads are outlined, such as watching out for swollen waterways, maintaining safe driving distances, and minding windshield wipers. Overall, preparedness, vigilance, and following safety guidelines are crucial for reducing the likelihood of weather-related incidents and ensuring the safety of individuals during thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. The weather alert service, Advance Local Weather Alerts, provided by United Robots, utilizes machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service for public awareness and safety.
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