NWS projects Lightning, snow for Granite County
GRANITE COUNTY – The National Weather Service is projecting some odd weather for the first official day of summer in Granite County.
Temperatures will be dropping well below seasonal averages for the next week or so, with precipitation included in the forecast. But that moisture may take the form of snow in the southern part of the county with Philipsburg and Georgetown Lake likely seeing some snow overnight and into Friday. The NWS has stated that locations above 6,000 feet could receive between 2-6 inches of snow.
All areas are likely to see significant rain through Saturday evening, with isolated thunder storms hanging around until Monday night. With the possibility of lightning strikes, it is important to know how and when to report them and how to keep your home electronics safe.
If you see a lightning strike, before you call 9-1-1 to report it, check the following:
Make sure that it has started a fire
If there is a flame, try and ascertain the strike’s general “address” if possible to make responding easier.
If you can’t get an address, give the dispatch the blaze’s proximity to a know landmark.
DO NOT try and go fight the flame yourself.
To protect yourself and your home during a lightning storm:
Stay away from contact with electronic or plumbing, as they can easily conduct a lightning strike on your home indoors.
Unplug your electronics such as computers, TVs, and smart home equipment (Alexa, Sire, Google Home, etc.). If possible, do it well in advance of the storm for your safety and that of your equipment.
If possible, disable electrical outlets throughout your house by disengaging sections in your home’s fuse box.
Unplug all items that may be charging, even if they are not in use. Anything plugged into a wall can take a charge in a lightning storm.
Remember that a surge protector is a layer of security to protect your electronics, but they are not an end-all, be-all safeguard.
If you have a power surge, check the status and clocks on such items as stoves and microwave ovens which typically cannot be unplugged.
