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Updated thunderstorm alert for Northeast Pennsylvania through Thursday evening<\/strong><\/p>\n As of Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.<\/strong>, the National Weather Service<\/strong> has issued an updated severe thunderstorm watch<\/strong> for Northeast Pennsylvania<\/strong>, remaining in effect until 10:00 p.m.<\/strong>. The alert includes Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne<\/strong>, and Wyoming counties<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Intense summer storms<\/strong>, capable of producing damaging winds, heavy rain<\/strong>, and frequent lightning<\/strong>, are tracking across the region this evening.<\/p>\n Each year, lightning strikes the United States nearly 25 million times<\/strong>, most often during summer months<\/strong>. On average, lightning causes around 20 fatalities annually<\/strong>. The threat escalates sharply as the storm nears, reaching a peak when it’s directly overhead.<\/p>\n Vigilance and timing<\/strong> are essential during these conditions. The loud crack of thunder<\/strong> signals that lightning is dangerously close<\/strong>, even if rain hasn’t begun yet.<\/p>\n If you’re inside, avoid using corded phones<\/strong>, electronic appliances<\/strong>, and plumbing fixtures<\/strong>. Steer clear of windows<\/strong> and doors<\/strong>, as lightning can travel<\/strong> through conductive materials such as metal pipes<\/strong> and wiring<\/strong>.<\/p>\n If indoor shelter is unavailable<\/strong>, avoid open spaces<\/strong>, hilltops<\/strong>, and isolated trees<\/strong>. If you’re in a wooded area, stay near smaller trees<\/strong>, and keep people spaced apart<\/strong> to reduce the chance of current transfer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Avoid water bodies<\/strong>, wet surfaces<\/strong>, and metal objects<\/strong>, all of which can conduct electricity<\/strong> effectively even if they don’t attract lightning<\/strong>. Tents<\/strong> offer no protection<\/strong> against lightning and should not be relied upon for safety.<\/p>\n After the final lightning flash<\/strong> or last thunderclap<\/strong>, wait at least 30 minutes<\/strong> before resuming any outdoor activity. Strikes can still occur<\/strong> even as the storm appears to pass.<\/p>\n Alongside lightning, heavy rain<\/strong> is expected across parts of Northeast Pennsylvania<\/strong>, which can cause localized flooding<\/strong> and make driving conditions treacherous<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Avoid walking or parking near culverts<\/strong>, drainage ditches<\/strong>, or low-lying areas<\/strong> where swift water flow<\/strong> can become life-threatening quickly.<\/p>\n Stay safe on the roads by increasing your following distance<\/strong>\u2014a minimum of four seconds<\/strong> is recommended in these wet conditions. Slow down gradually<\/strong> to prevent hydroplaning<\/strong>, and avoid sudden braking<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Stick to center lanes<\/strong>, as outer lanes<\/strong> tend to collect more water. Turn on headlights<\/strong> and be mindful of other vehicles<\/strong>, especially in blind spots<\/strong> and areas of low visibility<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The first 30 minutes of rainfall<\/strong> are typically the most dangerous due to the mix of water, oil<\/strong>, and grime<\/strong> on the roads. Take extra caution<\/strong> during this time.<\/p>\n If visibility drops to the point where you can’t see the edges of the road<\/strong> or other vehicles<\/strong>, pull over in a safe area<\/strong>, such as a rest stop<\/strong>. Avoid stopping along the shoulder<\/strong> unless absolutely necessary. If you must, move well off the road<\/strong>, turn on emergency flashers<\/strong>, and keep headlights on<\/strong> to alert other drivers of your presence.<\/p>\n Stay alert to evolving weather conditions<\/strong> tonight across Northeast Pennsylvania<\/strong>, and continue to monitor updates from the National Weather Service<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Updated thunderstorm alert for Northeast Pennsylvania through Thursday evening As of Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., the National Weather Service has issued an updated severe thunderstorm watch for Northeast Pennsylvania, remaining in effect until 10:00 p.m.. The alert includes Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. Intense summer storms, capable of producing […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5381,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5380","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n<\/h3>\n
Lightning threat increases across Pennsylvania with each storm cell<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Staying safe indoors during lightning activity<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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When outside: Know what to do and where not to go<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Lightning aftermath: Wait before heading back outside<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Heavy rainfall raises flash flood risks and road hazards<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Driving safety during intense downpours<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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If rain overwhelms your windshield, pull over safely<\/strong><\/h3>\n