UPDATE: Thunderstorms with nickel-sized hail in Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra counties

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The NWS Reno NV issued an updated weather alert at 2:18 p.m. on Monday for strong thunderstorms until 2:45 p.m. for Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra counties.

The storms could bring nickel-sized hail (0.88 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

"At 2:17 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Termo, moving west at 15 mph," explains the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible."

The alert is for Termo and Junction CA 139 And CA 513.

The NWS adds, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building."

This alert is in effect until 2:45 p.m.

Actions to take when lightning threat is imminent

Lightning hits the United States approximately 25 million times annually. The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS. The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead. This risk decreases as the storm moves away.

Here are suggestions for staying 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 turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.
• Once inside, avoid contact with corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.
• Wait for 30 minutes after the most recent lightning or thunder before venturing outside.

If finding indoor shelter is not an option:

• Steer clear of open fields, hilltops, or ridge tops.
• 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 with a group, fan out to stop the current from transmitting between members.
• When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region. Just remember, tents do not offer protection from lightning.
• Do not approach water, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively.

What to do in the rain on the road?

• Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
• On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground. Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.
• Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
• Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your 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 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 top three contributors to hydroplaning are:

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

United Robots California

This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 1:52 PM.