Severe Thunderstorms With Hail Impact US, South Africa Regions

Severe thunderstorms with strong winds, hail, and frequent lightning have prompted weather alerts in multiple regions. In the U.S., the National Weather Service issued warnings for parts of Washington state, including Lower Garfield, Asotin counties, and the Northeast Blue Mountains, with hail up to nickel-sized and wind gusts up to 30 mph, advising residents to seek shelter indoors due to the risk of lightning strikes that can occur miles from storms. Meanwhile, South Africa is facing severe weather conditions, with the South African Weather Service issuing Yellow Level 4 and Level 2 warnings for damaging thunderstorms across KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Free State, highlighting risks to infrastructure, vehicles, settlements, and travel disruptions. The warnings emphasize precautions against excessive lightning, hail, and strong winds, urging residents to stay alert and take safety measures. Additional weather forecasts for South African provinces include partly cloudy skies, isolated showers, and warm to hot temperatures, with some regions expecting scattered thundershowers. Across both countries, officials stress the importance of seeking safe shelter during storms and waiting at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before going outdoors again.