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Thunderstorms & Lightning
Although all thunderstorms are dangerous and can be lethal, about 10 percent
produce dangerous winds or hail that will likely exceed thresholds known to
cause significant damage to well-built structures or cause bodily harm. These
are known as severe thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms produce hail the size of
a dime or larger and/or winds of 58 miles per hour or greater. The National
Weather Service issues Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for a particular county, or
portions of it, when the above conditions are forecasted or are ongoing.
Lightning kills - Anytime you are outdoors during these events, you are at risk
of being struck by lightning.
For
Thunderstorms:
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Monitor NOAA Weather Radio.
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Listen for Severe Thunderstorm Watches and Warnings.
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When severe thunderstorms threaten, go to a small interior room on the lowest
floor of your home, school or business. Avoid windows.
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To improve your odds at reducing loss of life or injury from severe
thunderstorm winds, follow this rule of thumb: “put as many walls between you
and the outside wind.”
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In vehicles, avoid driving into severe thunderstorms. Consider pulling over or
delaying travel.
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Prior to a severe thunderstorm, move vehicles into garages or carports to help
prevent damage, time permitting.
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For
Lightning:
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Go inside a building or an automobile, but not a convertible or a golf cart.
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Avoid water (swimming pools, lakes and rivers), beaches and boats.
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Stay away from doors, windows, metal indoor fixtures and electrical devices.
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Stay off the telephone.
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Monitor NOAA Weather Radio.
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Avoid open high ground and isolated large trees.
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Do not lean on vehicles.
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Get off bicycles and motorcycles.
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Preparedness Brochures:
Are
You Ready for a Thunderstorm?
FEMA
Are you Ready?: Thunderstorms and Lightning
Links:
FLASH
Card: Lightning
National
Weather Service: Severe Weather Awareness Page
National Weather Service (NOAA) Weather Radio
For Kids:
FEMA
for Kids: Thunderstorms
Owlie
Skywarn: Lightning
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