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On Monday at 5:06 p.m. the NWS Sacramento CA released an updated severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 5:15 p.m. for Plumas County.
The storms could bring quarter-sized hail (1 inch).
“At 5:06 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Bucks Lake, or 12 miles west of Quincy, moving southwest at 15 mph,” explains the NWS. “Damage to vehicles is expected.”
The warning is for Bucks Lake and Meadow Valley.
The NWS comments, “Seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from windows. This storm is capable of producing large hail.”
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This warning is in effect until 5:15 p.m.
How to react when facing a lightning hazard?
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 minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.
- If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
- Once inside, avoid contact with corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.
- Wait for 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before going back out.
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
- Avoid open fields, the top of a hill, or a ridge top.
- 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 space, choose a valley, ravine, or low area for your campsite. Remember, tents do not shield you from lightning.
- Do not approach water, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively.
Rainy weather driving tips
- Switch on headlights – Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
- 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
- Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles – Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
- Steer clear of flooded areas – When coming to a flooded road, turn around and head back. Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning is when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding 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. Hydroplaning is most commonly attributed to three factors:
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- 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
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This story was originally published September 21, 2026 at 3:31 PM.