When Severe Thunderstorms Hit: What You Can Do to Stay Safe

Severe thunderstorms are powerful storms that can produce damaging winds, large hail, heavy rain, and dangerous lightning. While they can happen any time of year, they often occur in the warmer months and can develop quickly. Knowing how to protect yourself and your family can save lives.

You don’t need special training—just follow these simple safety tips and stay calm during severe thunderstorms.

What Are Severe Thunderstorms and Why Are They Dangerous?

A severe thunderstorm is a storm that:

• Produces hail at least three-quarters of an inch in diameter (about the size of a golf ball).

• Has wind speeds of 58 miles per hour or more.

• May produce a tornado.

These storms can happen alone, in groups, or in lines, and some can last for hours. They pose serious risks such as:

• Lightning strikes, which can cause injuries and fires.

• Hail, which can damage vehicles, roofs, and crops.

• Strong winds (up to 150 mph), which can overturn vehicles and cause property damage.

• Heavy rain and flash floods, which can quickly drown roads and homes.

• Tornadoes, which can form during severe thunderstorms.

How You Can Stay Safe Before and During a Severe Thunderstorm

1. Stay Informed: 

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, or TV stations for warnings and updates.

• Learn your community’s warning signals, such as sirens and alert systems.

2. Prepare Your Home and Family: 

• Secure outdoor furniture, umbrellas, and other loose objects that could become dangerous projectiles in high winds.

• Trim dead or overhanging tree limbs that could fall during the storm.

• Have an emergency kit ready with flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water, and non-perishable food.

• Know your safe shelter spots: a sturdy interior room, basement, or an underground storm cellar.

3. Recognize the Signs of Severe Storms: 

• Darkening sky, especially greenish or yellowish clouds.

• A loud roar, like a freight train (often caused by a tornado or strong winds).

• Large hail, or a sudden wind shift or high wind gusts.

4. During a Thunderstorm: 

• Seek shelter immediately in a sturdy building—preferably in a basement or interior room on the lowest floor.

• Stay away from windows, glass doors, and exterior walls.

• Avoid water sources—don’t bathe, shower, or wash dishes—electricity from lightning can travel through plumbing.

• Turn off appliances and electronics to prevent damage from power surges.

• If outdoors and no shelter is nearby:

  • Get into a car with the windows closed, or

  • Find a low, sheltered area away from trees, poles, and metal objects.

  • Do not lie flat on the ground; instead, crouch low with your hands on your knees and your head protected.

5. If Driving: 

• Pull safely to the side of the road, away from trees and power lines.

• Turn on your emergency flashers.

• Avoid flooded roads—most flood fatalities happen when drivers try to cross high water.

• Do not try to outrun a storm in your vehicle.

After the Storm

• Wait for official confirmation that it’s safe before leaving your shelter.

• Watch for fallen trees, power lines, and debris—report hazards to authorities.

• Avoid downed power lines—stay well clear.

• Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities.

• Be cautious of floodwaters, damaged roads, and structural damage.

Common Myths About Severe Thunderstorms

• Myth: Opening windows reduces wind pressure and prevents damage.
  Fact: Keep windows closed to avoid flying debris and wind damage. 

• Myth: It’s safe to take shelter under bridges or overpasses.
  Fact: Overpasses can be dangerous; seek sturdy buildings instead. 

• Myth: Lightning only strikes during heavy rain.
  Fact: Lightning can strike outside of heavy rain and up to 10 miles away from rainfall. 

• Myth: If you hear thunder, you are safe.
  Fact: Thunder indicates lightning is nearby—seek shelter immediately.

Remember: Stay Calm and Follow Instructions

You don’t need special training to stay safe during a severe thunderstorm. Your best tools are staying informed, acting quickly to find shelter, and protecting yourself from wind, hail, and lightning. Practice your safety plan regularly, and help neighbors if you can.

Together, we can weather severe thunderstorms safely—until professional responders are there to help.