Four Hazards To Be Aware Of During A Pop-Up Thunderstorm
July 10, 2024We are approaching the hottest point of the Summer as we hit the middle of July and beginning of August. This means there are a lot of days for fun in the sun, but also continued dangers of a pop-up thunderstorms. Some of these storms can become severe and if you get caught in one while you’re driving you may find yourself getting into a New Haven auto accident if you don’t take the hazards that come along with a storm like this seriously.

The biggest challenge with storms like this is that they are often not predicted by the weather forecast and then come up out of nowhere. While this is not always the case, the unpredictability of storms like this can make them particularly dangerous if you don’t know what to expect. Given the fact that these types of storms are common, it is a good idea to keep an eye on weather forecasts before you head out on a long ride so you can get an idea of whether a storm may be coming the day you’ll be on the road.
Along with keeping an eye on the forecast, however shaky that might be, it is also important to make sure you and your vehicle are prepared for something like this to happen. For instance, now is a good time to check to make sure that your windshield wipers are working properly and that your blades are doing their job well. If your wipers are not working, you should get them repaired immediately so you don’t get caught in a storm without the proper equipment to keep you safe. You should check other things around your vehicle to make sure they are functioning as well like your tire treads, headlights and tail lights to make sure these are all in good working order.
Once you’ve confirmed that your vehicle can function well in a pop-up thunderstorm you can safely head out on the road and be ready for the unexpected. When a storm does happen and you’re on the road you will want to be aware of the hazards that are presented during this type of weather condition. If you know what to expect and can handle it calmly you should be able to keep yourself and your passengers safe from an accident. Some of the hazards you may expect in a pop-up thunderstorm include;
1.) Low visibility. One of the difficult things in dealing with this type of weather activity is that the weather can go from sunny and blue skies to very dark and ominous quickly. Once the thunder cracks and the lightning lights up the sky, the rain deluge will follow. When rain comes down at an overwhelming pace it can make visibility very poor. Even if you have checked to make sure your windshield wipers are working properly they may not be able to keep up with the volume of rain that is pouring down. If visibility becomes a serious issue you may want to pull over to the side of the road, put your hazard lights on and wait the storm out.
2.) Slippery when wet. When a road goes from bone dry to flooded in a few minutes it can make driving very treacherous. Passing through puddles can put you in a situation where you may lose control of your vehicle and hydroplane. If this is the case you will need to stay calm and avoid braking. This will allow your car to slow down. You should also steer into the skid to realign your tires and put them in a position to regain their grip on the surface of the road.
3.) Dangerous floods can cause serious issues. You should avoid low lying areas and never drive through standing water. Even what looks like a shallow puddle that wouldn’t give you any problems may put you in a position where you are having trouble controlling your vehicle and you could be putting yourself and others at risk.
4.) Lightning. These storms come with serious thunder and lightning and while rare, lightning strikes can be quite severe and dangerous. If you are seeing lightning you may want to pull over to a safe location away from trees and power lines, turn off your engine and turn your hazard lights on. Make sure to keep your windows rolled up. This will keep you safe from the danger of a lightning strike and will allow you to avoid the danger of the pop-up thunderstorm.
It doesn’t matter how prepared you are or how well you know the hazards that exist in a pop-up thunderstorm, you may still find yourself in an uneasy situation which could be risky. If you take the steps outlined above you will not completely eliminate the risk of a New Haven auto accident but you will be putting yourself in the best possible situation to avoid one.
In the event that an injury happens you may need to speak with an attorney who has some experience with these situations. Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will review your situation and work with you to protect your long-term interests.