What do heavy thunderstorms mean?

A severe thunderstorm by definition is a thunderstorm that produces one inch hail or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 miles an hour. The size of the watch can vary depending on the weather situation. They are usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours.

Are heavy thunderstorms bad?

There is a strong likelihood of strong and/or long-lasting tornadoes. These storms also contain frequent lightning, damaging and long-lasting winds in excess of 80 mph, and hail in excess of 2 inches. There is also a strong likelihood of structural damage.

What happens during a heavy thunderstorm?

Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that include lightning and can create or cause: Powerful winds over 50 mph. Hail. Flash flooding and/or tornadoes.

What are some dangers from thunderstorms?

Thunderstorms are dangerous because they include lightning, high winds, and heavy rain that can cause flash floods. Remember, it is a severe thunderstorm that produces a tornado.

What to do when there’s a thunderstorm in your house?

Remember the phrase, “When thunder roars, go indoors.” Find a safe, enclosed shelter when you hear thunder. Safe shelters include homes, offices, shopping centers, and hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up. If you are caught in an open area, act quickly to find adequate shelter.

How can you stay safe in a thunderstorm?

Protect Yourself from Lightning Strikes

1. Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges, or peaks.
2. Never lie flat on the ground.
3. Never shelter under an isolated tree.
4. Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter.
5. Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water.

Where is the safest place to be in a severe thunderstorm?

A car or other enclosed metal structure is the safest place to be in a thunderstorm. Failing that, a ditch, trench or group of shrubs of uniform height is better than nothing. Keep away from boundary areas between dissimilar terrain (water and land; rock and earth; trees and fields).

How can you be safe in a severe thunderstorm?

Safety precautions indoors

1. Avoid contact with water during a thunderstorm. Do NOT bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm.
2. Avoid using electronic equipment of all types.
3. Avoid using corded phones.
4. Avoid concrete floors and walls.

What are the 3 stages of a thunderstorm?

Thunderstorms have three stages in their life cycle: The developing stage, the mature stage, and the dissipating stage. The developing stage of a thunderstorm is marked by a cumulus cloud that is being pushed upward by a rising column of air (updraft).