Thunderstorms affect relatively small areas, compared with most other storms. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts for 30 minutes — but whatever their size, all thunderstorms are dangerous.
Severe thunderstorms produce large hail or winds of at least 58 mph. Some wind gusts can exceed 100 mph and produce tornado-like damage. That’s why many communities will sound their outdoor sirens for damaging straight-line winds.
When a severe thunderstorm threatens, stay inside a strong structure. Mobile home occupants should go to a more permanent structure.
Thunderstorms can produce straight-line winds that exceed 100 miles per hour. For this reason, you should treat severe thunderstorms just as you would tornadoes. Move to an appropriate shelter if you are in the path of the storm.
The strong rush of wind from a thunderstorm is called a downburst. The primary cause is rain-cooled air that accelerates downward, producing potentially damaging gusts of wind.
Strong downbursts can be mistaken for tornadoes, and they’re often accompanied by a roaring sound similar to that of a tornado. Downbursts can easily overturn mobile homes, tear roofs off houses and topple trees. Campers are especially vulnerable because trees can fall into campsites and onto tents.
Damage from severe wind accounts for half of all weather damage reports in the lower 48 states and is more common than damage from tornadoes. These winds are often called “straight-line” winds to differentiate their damage from tornado damage. Damaging winds are classified as those exceeding 50-60 mph.
As we know, hail is a product of thunderstorms that causes nearly $1 billion in damage every year. Not surprising right? Most hail is about pea-sized. Much of it is the size of baseballs, and it can reach grapefruit size. Large hailstones fall faster than 100 mph and have been known to hurt and even kill people.
Every thunderstorm produces lightning!
Lightning kills an average of 47 Americans each year. Hundreds more are severely injured.
If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby the following actions may reduce your risk: