Weather alert for Southern Trinity early Thursday evening

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The NWS Eureka CA issued a weather alert at 4:23 p.m. on Thursday for strong thunderstorms until 5 p.m. for Southern Trinity.

The storms are foreseen to bring pea-sized hail (0.25 inches).

“At 4:23 p.m., Doppler radar tracked an area of strong thunderstorms near Forest Glen, or 16 miles southwest of Hayfork, moving south at 10 mph,” says the NWS. “Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”

The alert is for Ruth, Forest Glen and Zenia.

The NWS states, “Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening weather conditions. If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”

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This alert is in effect until 5 p.m.

Actions to take when lightning threat is imminent

Around 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States every year, with most taking place during the summer months. The NWS reports that these strikes result in about 20 fatalities annually. The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above. As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.

Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm:

• To decrease the risk of getting struck by lightning, when you go outside, establish a plan to reach a safer place.
• If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to 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, the top of a hill, or a ridge top.
• Keep a distance from tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures. When in a forest, stay in proximity to shorter tree groupings.
• 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.

Rainy weather driving tips

• Turn on headlights – Even in daylight, using headlights can help improve visibility and let other drivers know where you are.
• While driving – Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground. Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.
• Avoid puddles – Driving into puddles or low rainwater areas can lead to vehicles hydroplaning or losing control.
• Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles – Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
• Avoid flooded zones – If you encounter a flooded road, make a U-turn and go back. The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road. Driving through deep water can also damage 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 three main causes of hydroplaning are:

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1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 17, 2026 at 4:25 PM.