• Tornado
• Thunderstorm
• Cold
• Flood
• Winter Storm
• Lightning
• Heat Wave
• Drought
• Terrorism
• Wild Fire
• Tropical Cyclone

• Pack a Kit
• Family Disaster Plan
• Flood Insurance
• Pet Plan
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Evacuate
• Shelter in Place

Are You Ready?

Thunderstorm

Despite their small size, all thunderstorms are dangerous. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes. Heavy rain from thunderstorms can lead to flash flooding. Strong winds, hail, and tornadoes are also dangers associated with some thunderstorms.

Of the estimated 100,000 thunderstorms that occur each year in the United States, only about 10 percent are classified as severe. Your National Weather Service considers a thunderstorm severe if it produces hail at least 3/4-inch in diameter, wind 58 mph or higher, or tornadoes.

Take the time to understand these dangers!

• Occurs in ALL thunderstorms.
• Averages 93 deaths & 300 injuries each year.
• Causes several hundred million dollars in damage to property each year including many house fires.

• The number ONE thunderstorm killer, nearly 140 fatalities each year.
• Most flash flood deaths occur at night and when people become trapped in automobiles.

• Responsible for most thunderstorm wind damage.
• Winds can exceed 100 MPH!
• One type of straight-line wind, the downburst, can cause damage equivalent to a strong tornado and can be very dangerous.

• Know the County you live in and the names of the towns and communities near you.
• Check the weather forecast before leaving for outdoors activities.
• Watch for signs of approaching storm.
• If a storm is approaching, monitor NOAA Radio or local TV and radio.
• Postpone outdoor activities if the thunderstorm is imminent. This is the best way to stay safe.
• Check on those who have trouble taking shelter if severe weather threatens.

• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lighning. Go to a safe shelter!
• Move to a sturdy building or car. Do not take shelter in small sheds or under trees.
• If lightning is occurring and a sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile and keep windows up.
• Get out of boats and away from water.
• Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using the phone or any electrical appliances. Use phones only in an emergency.
• Do not take a bath or shower.
• Get to higher ground if flash flooding is possible.