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Thunderstorms
Thunderstorm Definition and Characteristics: A thunderstorm
is a storm containing lightning caused by unstable atmospheric conditions. When
cold upper air sinks and warm, moist air rises, storm clouds or "thunderheads"
develop. Thunderstorms may occur singly, in clusters, or in lines. Thus, it
is possible for several thunderstorms to affect one location in the course of
a few hours. Some of the most severe weather occurs when a single thunderstorm
affects one location for an extended period of time.
Severe thunderstorms can bring heavy rains (which can cause flash flooding),
strong winds, hail, lightning, and tornadoes. To protect yourself in a severe
thunderstorm, get inside a sturdy building and stay tuned to a battery-operated
radio for weather information. Some thunderstorms can be seen approaching, while
others hit without warning. It is important to learn and recognize the danger
signs and to plan ahead.
Lighting Definition and Characteristics: Lightning is an electrical
discharge that results from the buildup of static electricity within clouds,
or between clouds and the ground. It always accompanies a thunderstorm. When
the buildup is strong enough to overcome the insulating effect of the air, lightning
appears as a "bolt". This flash of light can remain within the clouds,
occur between clouds, or strike toward the ground several miles from the parent
cloud.
Lightning is a major threat during a thunderstorm. In the United States, between
75 and 100 Americans are hit and killed each year by lightning. If you are caught
outdoors, avoid natural lightning rods such as tall, isolated trees in an open
area and metal objects such as wire fences, golf clubs, and metal tools.
It is a myth that lightning never strikes twice in the same place. In fact,
lightning has favorite sites that it will strike several times in the course
of one storm. While thunderstorms and lightning can be found throughout the
United States, they are most likely to occur in the central and southern states.
The state with the highest number of thunderstorms is Florida
Severe Thunderstorm Watch - Conditions are such that a severe
thunderstorm (damaging winds 58 miles per hour or more, or hail three-fourths
of an inch in diameter or greater) is likely to develop. This is the time to
locate a safe place in the home and tell family members to watch the sky and
listen to the radio or television for more information.
Severe Thunderstorms Warning - A severe thunderstorm warning
is issued when a severe thunderstorm has been sighted or indicated by weather
radar. At this point, the danger is very serious and everyone should go to a
safe place, turn on a battery-operated radio or television, and wait for the
"all clear" from authorities.
Thunderstorm/Lightning Safety Tips:
Tornadoes are only one of many thunderstorm hazards. Others include:
Lightning - Kills and injures hundreds annually and starts fires.
Winds - Very strong, gusty winds can cause property damage.
Rain - Heavy downpours may result in flash floods.
Hail - May be very damaging to property and crops.
When a thunderstorm threatens, get inside a home or large building, or inside
an all-metal (not convertible) vehicle. Listen to radio, television, or weather-alert
radio for National Weather Service bulletins.
Practice the Flash-to-Bang measurement of lightning distance. This is the time
from seeing the stroke to hearing the thunder.
For each 5-second count, lightning is 1 mile away:
20 seconds - 4 miles away
15 seconds - 3 miles away
At a count of 10 seconds, 2 miles, take immediate defensive actions. If outdoors
avoid water and metal objects, such as electric wires, fences, golf clubs, machinery,
motors, power tools, railroad tracks, etc. Unsafe places include: tents, golf
cars, small open-sided rain shelters, or underneath isolated trees. Avoid hilltops
and open spaces. Where possible, find shelter in a building or in a fully-enclosed
metal vehicle such as a car, truck, or a van with the windows completely shut.
- Avoid direct contact with other people.
- Get into a ditch or a shallow depression.
- Remove all metal objects. Crouch down, feet together and hands on your knees.
If indoors ... Avoid water. Stay away from open doors and windows. Hang up the telephone and take off headsets during lightning storms. Lightning may strike electric and phone lines and induce shocks. Turn off and stay away from appliances, computers, television sets, power tools, etc. Stay inside until the storm is over.
If a nearby person is injured by lightning give first-aid procedures, if you are qualified to do so. An injured person does not carry an electrical charge and can be safely handled.
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