Trick-or-Treaters Prepare for a Wet Halloween

There will be periods of rain with isolated thunderstorms this evening. Some thunderstorms could become strong, producing 1 to 3 inches of rain, frequent lightning and gusty winds these are anticipated to be brief.

If you hear thunder you need to begin making your way home and seek shelter. If you see lightening seek shelter indoors immediately.

National Weather Service’s Lighting myths and facts:

Myth: If outside in a thunderstorm, you should seek shelter under a tree to stay dry.
Fact: Being underneath a tree is the second leading cause of lightning casualties. Better to get wet than fried!

Myth: If trapped outside and lightning is about to strike, I should lie flat on the ground.
Fact: Lying flat increases your chance of being affected by potentially deadly ground current. If you are caught outside in a thunderstorm, you keep moving toward a safe shelter.

Myth: If you’re caught outside during a thunderstorm, you should crouch down to reduce your risk of being struck.
Fact: Crouching doesn’t make you any safer outdoors. Run to a substantial building or hard topped vehicle. If you are too far to run to one of these options, you have no good alternative. You are NOT safe anywhere outdoors.

Visit the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website at mctxoem.org for more information.