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Strong thunderstorms sweeping across northern Missouri<\/strong><\/p>\n Saturday afternoon<\/strong>, residents in the Kansas City region<\/strong> should stay alert as strong thunderstorms<\/strong> continue to track eastward<\/strong> through portions of northern Missouri<\/strong>. At 1:04 p.m.<\/strong>, the National Weather Service<\/strong> issued a fresh alert<\/strong> covering several counties, including Clay<\/strong>, De Kalb<\/strong>, Daviess<\/strong>, Clinton<\/strong>, Caldwell<\/strong>, Ray<\/strong>, and Carroll<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The system is expected to produce wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph (64 km\/h)<\/strong>. These storms were observed on Doppler radar at 1:03 p.m.<\/strong>, forming along a line from 7 miles south of Cameron<\/strong> to areas near Richmond<\/strong>, moving east at 15 mph (24 km\/h)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Gusty winds<\/strong> may cause tree limbs to fall<\/strong> and can toss around unsecured outdoor items<\/strong>. The storm zone includes communities such as Lawson<\/strong>, Lathrop<\/strong>, Hamilton<\/strong>, Polo<\/strong>, Kidder<\/strong>, Rayville<\/strong>, and more. Interstate 35<\/strong> in Missouri<\/strong>, from mile marker 37 to 53<\/strong>, is included in the affected corridor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Localized flooding and rainfall risks<\/strong><\/p>\n In addition to winds, torrential rain<\/strong> is being reported with these storms. This raises concerns about localized flooding<\/strong>, especially in low-lying areas<\/strong> and roadways with poor drainage.<\/p>\n The National Weather Service<\/strong> warns motorists: \u201cDo not drive through flooded roadways.\u201d<\/strong> Low visibility, potential hydroplaning<\/strong>, and flash flooding<\/strong> risks are especially high during such heavy downpours.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What to do during lightning threats<\/strong><\/p>\n As summer storms<\/strong> become more frequent, so does lightning activity<\/strong>. The U.S. experiences around 25 million lightning strikes each year<\/strong>, with about 20 fatalities<\/strong> annually. Thunderstorms present the highest risk of lightning strikes<\/strong> when they are directly overhead.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Key reminders<\/strong> for storm safety:<\/p>\n If you’re outdoors<\/strong>, head to shelter immediately<\/strong> once thunder is audible or the sky darkens. Once indoors, avoid contact with electrical appliances, corded phones, plumbing, and windows<\/strong>. Wait at least 30 minutes<\/strong> after the last lightning strike or thunderclap before going back outside.<\/p>\n If you’re caught outside<\/strong>, stay away from open fields<\/strong>, hilltops<\/strong>, or tall isolated trees<\/strong>. Disperse if in a group. In campgrounds<\/strong>, choose valleys<\/strong> or low-lying areas<\/strong>, and remember: tents offer no protection from lightning<\/strong>. Avoid water<\/strong>, metal<\/strong>, and other conductors.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Safe driving in rain and stormy conditions<\/strong><\/p>\n When driving in heavy rain<\/strong>, visibility and traction drop significantly. Turn on your headlights<\/strong>, even in daylight. Use center lanes<\/strong> to stay on higher ground, and avoid driving near road shoulders<\/strong>, where water tends to pool.<\/p>\n Stay clear of puddles<\/strong> and never drive through standing water<\/strong>. Larger vehicles like trucks can splash water that limits your vision, so keep your distance. If the roadway is flooded, turn around<\/strong>\u2014never risk crossing it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Understanding and reacting to hydroplaning<\/strong><\/p>\n Hydroplaning<\/strong> occurs when a vehicle slides uncontrollably<\/strong> due to a thin layer of water<\/strong> separating the tires from the road surface. This is most likely when:<\/p>\n To recover from hydroplaning:<\/p>\n Ease off the accelerator<\/strong>, gently steer into the skid<\/strong>, and wait until your tires regain contact<\/strong> with the pavement. Brake gently<\/strong>, especially if your car has anti-lock brakes<\/strong>. With older brake systems, pump the brakes lightly<\/strong> instead.<\/p>\n Residents in the affected zones are advised to remain vigilant as the storm system continues to move through the region. Stay informed with weather updates throughout the day.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Strong thunderstorms sweeping across northern Missouri Saturday afternoon, residents in the Kansas City region should stay alert as strong thunderstorms continue to track eastward through portions of northern Missouri. At 1:04 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a fresh alert covering several counties, including Clay, De Kalb, Daviess, Clinton, Caldwell, Ray, and Carroll. The system […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":3814,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3813","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n\n