Cloud to ground lightning yields issue of ‘Significant Weather Advisory’ in Utah

SOUTHERN UTAH – The National Weather Service has issued a “Significant Weather Advisory” for southeastern Wayne, eastern Garfield and northeastern San Juan counties in effect until 7:15 p.m. Sunday. Anyone on or near Lake Powell is advised to get out of the water immediately and move indoors or inside a vehicle.

Dots indicate the area subject to the significant weather advisory, 6:55 p.m., Southern Utah, July 5, 2015 | Photo courtesy of National Weather Service, St. George News | Click image to enlarge
Dots indicate the area subject to the significant weather advisory, 6:55 p.m., Southern Utah, July 5, 2015 | Photo courtesy of National Weather Service, St. George News | Click image to enlarge

At 6:29 p.m., the National Weather Service Doppler Radar indicated a line of strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 7 miles northwest of Hite Marina to near Ticaboo, and moving east at 20 mph.

These storms will cross Lake Powell from Ticaboo north to Hite Marina through 7:15 p.m. Half-inch hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible along with frequent lightning and heavy rainfall.

Precautionary, preparedness actions

“Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms,” the National Weather Service said Sunday evening.

Lightning can strike 15 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.

“If on or near Lake Powell,” the weather service said, “get out of the water and move indoors or inside a vehicle.”

Remember, lightning can strike out to 15 miles from the parent thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning, according to the weather service. Move to safe shelter now. Do not be caught on the water in a thunderstorm.


READ MORE: 1 boat capsizes during extreme weather on Lake Powell


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