dp 
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.
At 7:02 p.m. on Saturday, the NWS Phoenix AZ released a severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 7:45 p.m. for Imperial County.
Residents should prepare for wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
“At 7:02 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Somerton, moving north at 35 mph,” says the NWS. “Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”
Locations impacted by the warning include Yuma, Somerton, Gadsden, Fortuna Foothills, San Luis, Araby, Winterhaven, Andrade and Blaisdell.
The NWS states, “Seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from windows. This storm is capable of producing damaging winds.”
This warning is in effect until 7:45 p.m.
Actions to take when lightning threat is imminent
Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Most of the strikes occur in the summer, killing 20 people each year, according to the NWS. Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead. It diminishes as the storm moves away.
Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm:
- To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.
- If the sky grows ominous and you hear thunder, seek out a safe place to take shelter.
- Once indoors, avoid touching corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.
- Wait for 30 minutes after the final lightning or thunder before heading outside again.
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
- Avoid open fields, hill peaks, or ridge tops.
- Avoid tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects. If you are in a forest, stick to areas with shorter tree cover.
- If you are in a group, spread out to avoid the current traveling between group members.
- If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low area. Remember, a tent offers no protection from lighting.
- Do not approach water, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively.
What steps to follow when driving in the rain?
- Turn on your headlights – Even when it’s light outside, using headlights can improve visibility and alert other drivers to your presence.
- While driving – Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground. Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.
- Keep clear of puddles – Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control
- Do not follow large vehicles closely – Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.
- Avoid flooded areas – When encountering a flooded road, do a U-turn and head back. The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning is the term for when a vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle’s weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. The top three contributors to hydroplaning are:
- Vehicle speed – When a vehicle’s speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
- Water depth – The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. It doesn’t matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to hydroplaning.
- Tire tread depth – Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here’s what to know:
- Ease off the accelerator – Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.
- Turn into the skid – Turning into the skid can help the vehicle’s tires realign to regain control.
- Make sure the tires reconnect with the road – During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
- Brake gently as needed – Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
Source: The National Weather Service
United Robots California
This story was originally published October 10, 2026 at 7:06 PM.
