Thunderstorm warning issued for Coconino County

Staff reports
·3 min read

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Coconino County starting at 3:53 p.m. April 25. The warning expires at 4:30 p.m. April 25.

At 4:09 p.m. Thursday, a severe thunderstorm was located over Signal Mountain, or 33 miles north of Chino Valley, moving southeast at 15 mph. Hazards included 60 mph wind gusts and penny-size hail. Damage to roofs, siding and trees was expected.

Locations impacted included Williams, Dogtown Lake, Bixter Mountain, Signal Mountain, Cataract Lake, Bill Williams Mountain, Bill Williams CG, H.A. Clark Memorial Field, and Kaibab Lake Campground.

This also included the following highways: Business Interstate 40 between mile markers 163 and 165; Interstate 40 between mile markers 152 and 168; and State Route 64 near mile marker 186.

For the latest watches and warnings, see our weather alert page.

2024 Arizona wildfire season: Winter rains fuel summer fire risk

Tips for driving in the rain

The Arizona Department of Transportation provided the following safety tips for driving in the rain:

  • Inspect windshield wipers and replace them if necessary prior to expected rainfall.

  • Turn on the headlights.

  • Reduce speeds.

  • Avoid sudden braking on wet pavement.

  • Create a "space cushion" between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.

  • Avoid areas where water has pooled in travel lanes.

How to protect yourself from lightning strikes

Here are lightning safety tips from the National Weather Service:

  • Pay attention to the weather. If you see big blue clouds, otherwise known as thunderheads, go inside. These types of clouds could mean a thunderstorm is coming.

  • Get in a building with plumbing and wiring. If lightning strikes the building, the lightning will be conducted around and into the ground.

  • Stay in your car. A vehicle will give you protection as electricity from lightning will pass through the vehicle's structure instead of hitting you.

  • Get off open water. A boat out on the water is likely to be the most prominent object and you could be struck.

  • Do not shower or bathe. If lightning hits your pipes, it could be conducted into the water in your bath or shower.

  • Do not use electric appliances with plugs or cords. Wireless cellphones are OK, as are laptops that are connected to Wi-Fi but not plugged in.

  • Follow the 30-30 rule. If you hear thunder within 30 seconds of a lightning bolt, that means the thunderstorm's distance is threatening. Wait at least 30 minutes after you hear the last thunder to go out. That gives the storm enough time to move away or dissipate.

  • You don’t have to be near a storm to get struck. Lightning strikes can easily travel 10 miles or more. A record lightning flash in Oklahoma in 2007 traveled nearly 200 miles. Seek shelter if you hear thunder.

  • Do not shelter under a tree. If lightning strikes the tree, the ground charge from the strike could travel into you.

  • Don't huddle in a group. If you are outdoors with friends or family during a thunderstorm, don't all clump together. Keeping separation could reduce the number of people injured if lightning strikes.

This article was generated by The Arizona Republic and USA TODAY Network using data released by the National Weather Service. It was edited by a staff member.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Thunderstorm warning issued for Coconino County