Weather alert for strong thunderstorms in Central Alabama Sunday morning – gusts as high as 50 mph

An updated report from the National Weather Service was issued on Sunday at 10:26 a.m. for gusty showers until 11:15 a.m. for Shelby, Chilton, Coosa, Autauga and Elmore counties.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 10:25 a.m., Doppler radar tracked gusty showers along a line extending from near Lay Lake to near Burnsville. Movement was east at 35 mph,” comments the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Prattville, Millbrook, Clanton, Rockford, Stewartville, Weogufka, Thorsby, Elmore, Coosada, Deatsville, Autaugaville, Billingsley, Dollar, Gap Of The Mountain, Autauga County Airport, Titus, Strickland Crossroads, Bentleyville, Verbena and Mulberry.

The weather service comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Heavy rain safety: What you need to know

When heavy rain pours, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads rises. Here’s your guide from the weather service to staying safe during downpours:

Beware of rapid water flow:

• During heavy rain, avoid playing near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

• The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

Slow down and drive with care:

• On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the accelerator gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

• Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

Visibility matters:

• Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

• The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

• Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass with caution.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots. When stopping roadside, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.