The weather lately is a hot topic of discussion. Recent, days-long bouts of smoky hazes from wildfires have negatively affected air quality, and, most recently, severe thunderstorms have had everyone on high alert.

Because of the storms that occurred on Thursday, PennDOT is urging motorists to utilize caution on roads.

PennDOT emphasized that you should never drive through flooded roads, and you should turn on your vehicle’s headlights any time windshield wipers are being used.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, people often underestimate the power of rushing water. It only takes 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars, and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most trucks and SUVs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report the most-common type of flood-related drowning occurs when a vehicle is driven into hazardous floodwater. When you see a road is flooded, or if there are barriers blocking it, turn around.

Remember the general rule of thumb: Turn around, don’t drown.

It’s also important to slow down, as slick roads can make it more difficult to stop, and poor visibility can impede reflexes when it comes to pedestrians or animals that may wander into your path.

Make sure you’re traveling a safe route if the weather is predicted to take a nasty turn. Also, having a charged cellphone can make a big difference if an important call becomes necessary.

We’re sure that we haven’t seen the last of the summer storms and urge everyone to follow this advice moving forward.

— CM