Did you know about the 16 million thunderstorms that happen worldwide every year1? These storms can be very powerful. They bring strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, hail, and flash floods. Knowing the risks of thunderstorms and how to stay safe is very important.
Key Takeaways:
- Thunderstorms are dangerous and cause strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, hail, and flash floods.
- It’s vital to know the risks and how to stay safe during bad weather.
- About 10 percent of thunderstorms are severe. They have winds of at least 58 miles per hour, hail that’s at least three-quarters of an inch thick, or can make a tornado2.
- A severe thunderstorm watch means severe storms could happen in the next 6 hours2.
- Six inches of fast-moving water can make you fall, and one foot can carry away a car3.
The Dangers of Severe Thunderstorms
Severe thunderstorms are very dangerous. They bring strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, hail, and flooding4. These storms can destroy buildings and even take lives.
One danger from these storms is straight-line winds which can go over 58 mph5. Such winds can knock down trees and power lines. This can damage buildings and vehicles, and flying debris becomes a risk to safety.
Then there’s large hail, sometimes bigger than 3/4 inch in diameter5. It can damage roofs, windows, and cars, leading to expensive repairs. Every year, hail causes insurance companies to pay out more than a billion dollars.
Lightning from thunderstorms is also a big risk. It strikes and kills 55-60 people each year in the U.S6.. Lightning can cause fires and explosions, damaging property and endangering lives.
Severe thunderstorms can cause flash flooding too, leading to about 140 deaths yearly in the U.S5.. Floods can cover roads and enter homes, making it dangerous to travel or stay in some places.
It’s important to know how dangerous severe thunderstorms can be. People need to take steps to stay safe. Finding shelter in a sturdy building or car is wise during a storm4. After the storm, watch out for hazards like downed power lines4.
In summary, severe thunderstorms bring strong winds, lightning, hail, and floods. These elements can damage property and be deadly. It’s vital for everyone to stay informed and take precautions to stay safe during these storms.
Preparing for a Thunderstorm
Before a thunderstorm, learning what different alerts mean is key. A severe thunderstorm watch means bad storms could happen in the next 6 hours. A warning signals that a severe storm is happening or will very soon. Knowing these terms helps you find safety quickly7.
Thunderstorms bring many dangers like lightning, floods, hail, tornadoes, and strong winds known as microbursts7. Since these storms happen fast, the safest place is indoors7.
The 30/30 Rule is a good safety tip. If you see lightning and can’t count to 30 before hearing thunder, get inside7. Also, stay away from plumbing because lightning can travel through pipes7.
Even though rubber shoes and tires don’t protect you from lightning7, you can safely use cordless and mobile phones inside during a storm7. These tips can prevent lightning accidents.
Remembering past storms is also important. In May 2018, a US storm caused $2.5 billion in damages and turned off power for 600,000 places8. Winds blew over 58 miles an hour and 28 tornadoes were confirmed8.
To stay safe, know the signs of thunderstorms and how to prepare. Learn the meanings of storm alerts and know the dangers storms can bring. This knowledge will keep you safe7.
Statistical Data | Reference |
---|---|
Lightning can strike as far away as 10 miles from any visible rain source. | 7 |
Thunderstorms can pop up any time, with devastating results. | 7 |
Thunder and lightning storms can lead to flash flooding, hail, tornadoes, and strong downbursts of winds called microbursts. | 7 |
It is recommended to stay indoors during a thunderstorm as there is no safe place outdoors. | 7 |
Cordless telephones and cellphones are safe to use during a thunderstorm. | 7 |
A storm system in May 2018 across the United States caused around $2.5 billion in insurance claims. | 8 |
During the storm, 600,000 homes and businesses lost power. | 8 |
Wind gusts exceeded 58 miles per hour during the storm. | 8 |
There were 28 verified tornadoes associated with the storm. | 8 |
The storm system also led to extensive damage to homes and buildings in affected areas. | 8 |
Safety Tips Before a Thunderstorm
It’s crucial to take steps to stay safe before a thunderstorm hits. These tips help you and others stay protected. Minimize risks linked to thunderstorms by being prepared.
1. Be Prepared for Power Outages
Thunderstorms can bring strong winds that might knock down trees and power lines9. Be ready for power outages by having flashlights, extra batteries, and a battery-powered radio. Also, keep non-perishable food, water, and essential medications in case you can’t leave your house for some time.
2. Understand Lightning Safety
Lightning in thunderstorms is very dangerous and can be deadly9. Learn lightning safety rules to keep safe. Go indoors if you hear thunder or see lightning. Stay away from electrical items and metal elements because lightning can travel through them10. Remember, hearing thunder means lightning is near enough to pose a danger.
3. Postpone Outdoor Activities
Delay any outdoor plans if a thunderstorm is expected. Lightning and strong winds are dangerous9. Waiting until the storm clears is the safest option. Better safe than sorry when dealing with thunderstorms.
4. Secure Outdoor Objects
Secure objects outside that could fly around in wind before a storm hits. If bad weather is forecasted, cancel outdoor events like camping. Make sure items like patio furniture and trampolines are anchored or stored. This prevents accidents and damage during the storm.
5. Stay Informed
Knowing weather alerts and updates is key for storm preparedness. Understand what WATCH and WARNING mean. A WATCH means severe weather might happen, while a WARNING means it’s about to or is happening9. Keep up with local news and weather. Signing up for weather alerts on your phone is a good idea too.
6. Learn First Aid and CPR
Knowing First Aid and CPR can save lives in emergencies. Thunderstorms can lead to injuries like falls and electrical shocks9. These skills help you provide urgent help and may prevent serious harm. Consider taking a certified course in First Aid and CPR.
7. Review Insurance Coverage
Check your home insurance policy for flood damage coverage. Flash floods are common during thunderstorms. Make sure your insurance covers this risk. Talk to your provider about your coverage options to protect your home and belongings.
Following these safety tips before a thunderstorm can keep you safer. Get ready, learn about lightning safety, and stay up to date. Seek shelter indoors, delay outdoor activities, and secure outdoor items. These steps lower the dangers of thunderstorms and create a safer environment.
Safety Tips During a Thunderstorm
It’s key to stay safe and protect ourselves and others during a thunderstorm. Following safety tips can cut down the risk of harm. They ensure our safety when thunderstorms hit.
Seek Shelter Indoors
Look for a strong building or a solid car when a thunderstorm comes. Being inside keeps you safe from lightning and dangers caused by wind and rain. If there’s no strong building, find the lowest spot, like a basement or storm shelter.
Stay Informed with a Battery-Operated NOAA Weather Radio
Keep up with the storm by using a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio or a regular radio. These devices tell you about the storm in real-time. They help you make smart choices for safety.
Avoid Electrical Equipment
Avoid using items like computers or TVs during a storm. Lightning could travel through wires and shock you. It’s safer to use cordless or mobile phones, not ones with cords, during the storm.
These safety tips are crucial during thunderstorms. They help lower the risk of getting hurt. By finding shelter, staying updated, and being careful with electricity, we can keep ourselves safe during storms.
Key Safety Tips During a Thunderstorm | Statistical Data |
---|---|
Seek shelter indoors or in a hard-top automobile | 11 |
Stay informed with a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio | 11 |
Avoid using electrical equipment | 12 |
Safety Tips After a Thunderstorm
After a thunderstorm, it’s wise to stay alert and safe. Here are some key steps to take:
1. Stay Away from Flooded Roadways
Never drive through flooded roads after a storm. These roads can be shaky and hide dangers under the water. Just a little moving water can carry cars away. So always remember, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”13
2. Avoid Storm-Damaged Areas
Keep away from places with storm damage. They might have dangerous downed power lines or fallen trees. For any downed power lines, call your local electrical company. Stay away until they say it’s safe13.
3. Monitor Local Updates and Stay Informed
Keep up with news about the storm’s effects. Watch the news, listen to the weather radio, or check online. Knowing what’s going on can help you stay safe13.
4. Check Your Property for Damage
Look over your property for damage. Check for things like leaks in the roof or broken windows. If you find damage, call experts to fix it quickly. This keeps your place and people safe13.
5. Be Mindful of Fallen Power Lines
Stay away from any downed power lines. Treat them as live and dangerous. Call your local power company to report them. This helps keep everyone safe13.
6. Follow Safety Guidelines for Post-Storm Cleanup
When cleaning up after the storm, be safe. Wear gloves and tough shoes to avoid getting hurt. Take care to avoid more damage or accidents13.
Following these tips after a thunderstorm can keep you, your loved ones, and your home safe. It helps with a faster recovery too.

Dangers | Risks | Safety Measures |
---|---|---|
Driving through flooded roadways | Injuries, vehicle damage, and potential loss of life | Avoid driving through flooded roadways. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” |
Approaching storm-damaged areas | Injury from downed power lines, fallen trees, and other hazards | Avoid storm-damaged areas and report downed power lines |
Overlooked power lines | Risk of electrical shock and injury | Assume fallen power lines are live and report them |
Unaddressed property damage | Further structural issues and potential safety hazards | Inspect and promptly repair any storm-related property damage | tr>
Unsafe post-storm cleanup | Accidental injuries during debris cleanup | Follow safety guidelines and wear protective gear when cleaning up |
Source: National Weather Service
Identifying Thunderstorm Hazards and Safety Measures
Severe thunderstorms bring big risks like huge hail, damaging winds, and dangerous lightning. It’s key to know these dangers and take steps to keep safe. Protecting yourself and your things is super important.
Severe thunderstorms are storms that can make hail an inch or larger or wind gusts over 58 mph. Sometimes, they can bring even bigger hail or winds over 100 mph. These storms can cause a lot of damage and are a danger to people and things14.
Identifying Hail Size
Hail is often seen in bad thunderstorms. It happens when updrafts send raindrops up into the cold, turning them into ice. Hail can get as big as a grapefruit or a softball in extreme cases. Big hailstones can fall very fast, causing a lot of damage14.
Even hail the size of a dime can dent cars, hurt roofs, and break windows14.
Understanding Wind Gusts
Big wind gusts often come with severe thunderstorms. These gusts can be over 58 mph and harm buildings, trees, and stuff in their path. It’s smart to be careful and find a safe place when these winds come14.
Awareness of Lightning Strikes
Lightning often happens in thunderstorms. Knowing the risks is important because lightning can hit without warning. This can badly hurt or even kill people. If you’re outside when a storm hits, find shelter fast to lower the chance of getting struck. About 1 in 600,000 people get struck by lightning14.
Taking Safety Measures
To stay safe in severe thunderstorms, there are important steps to take:
- Stay updated: Watch the weather reports and alerts to know when a storm is coming14.
- Find a safe place: Look for a strong building or a basement to stay safe from storm dangers. Bathrooms and closets are good because they’re strong and don’t have windows15.
- Avoid mobile homes: Mobile homes can’t stand up to tornadoes or very strong winds. It’s better to find a safer place if you live in one15.
- Hide indoors: If there’s no basement, go to a room inside, away from windows and outside walls15.
- Stay away from water: Don’t touch water during a storm because lightning can travel through it14.
- Don’t be near tall things: Tall objects like trees and poles can attract lightning14.
- Be smart in public places: If you’re in a public building, follow tornado safety steps. Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible, get low, and cover yourself15.
Knowing about thunderstorm dangers and taking action can lower the risks. These tips can keep you, your loved ones, and your things safe during bad storms.

Conclusion
Thunderstorms are dangerous, but you can stay safe by knowing the risks. It’s important to understand how to prepare for severe weather. This keeps you and others safe from harm.
Thunderstorms can cause tornadoes and flash floods. Knowing when tornado and severe thunderstorm watches and warnings16 are issued is vital. This knowledge lets you react quickly and find a safe place.
Each year, lightning is responsible for 85 deaths in the US17. Thunderstorms can reach high into the sky. Sometimes, they strike the ground far from the storm’s rain.
Different thunderstorms bring different dangers. Single-cell storms usually last an hour18. Multi-cell storms can cover a lot of ground.
Supercell thunderstorms are the rarest but most severe. They can bring giant tornadoes and very large hail18.
To lower risks from thunderstorms, follow safety tips before, during, and after. Find shelter, stay away from windows, and avoid floods. Being prepared helps you stay safe in stormy weather16.