It’s severe weather season and storms have already hit many areas hard across the country this year. Now is a good time to review severe weather safety tips to keep you prepared for when severe weather arrives in your area.
A thunderstorm that contains hail the size of one inch in diameter and or winds of 58 mph or greater. Hail that size will cause damage to plants, vehicles, siding and roofs. With some very intense thunderstorms, hail can be as large as softballs or even larger.
Winds can also gust over 80 mph. With winds that strong, trees are likely to topple over, power lines can damage and structural damage can occur.
Thunderstorms can also spawn tornadoes and cause flash flooding. Of course, any thunderstorm contains dangerous cloud to ground lightning.
When a severe thunderstorm is over your area, you need to take immediate action to keep you safe from the storm.
Continue to have your TV on to get live updates on the storm and make sure you have your phone with you for alerts. If you have a NOAA Weather Radio, make sure that is on as well for the latest warnings that are being issued.
Make sure you are in your safe spot in your home and away from any windows. If you are at work, practice the same safety tips. Stay away from large windows and go into a small, interior area to keep yourself protected from the strong winds, hail and lightning.
If you are outside during a thunderstorm, seek shelter in a sturdy structure immediately. Taking shelter under a tree can be deadly as lightning may strike, or strong winds may knock it over.
Being in a vehicle is much safer than being outside, but if you can get into a sturdy structure safely, it is best to do that.
Last year, there were 14 lightning related fatalities in the United States.
Severe weather and thunderstorm season lasts all the way into the summer months, so practice these tips now and stay safe.
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