A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Monday at 12:45 a.m. for strong thunderstorms until 1:45 a.m. for Wyoming, Lackawanna and Luzerne counties.

"A line of strong thunderstorms is moving through the Wyoming Valley region which includes Wyoming, Luzerne, and Lackawanna counties. Wind gusts up to 40 mph and small hail are possible with these storms. Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects," says the weather service.

Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert advice

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, mostly during the summer. Lightning claims the lives of about 20 people annually, according to the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw ne

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