The National Weather Service has issued a weather alert for Oregon Lower Treasure Valley due to strong thunderstorms expected around 4:09 p.m. Saturday. The weather service suggests that if you are outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, killing approximately 20 people annually. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms approach, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away. Take these steps to minimize your risk of electrical surges, avoiding open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, and avoiding tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects.