THUNDERSTORMS LEARN MORE NATIONAL ABOUT THUNDERSTORMS SAFETY AT: WATCH VS. WARNING weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm WEATHER Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be Prepared! Severe Thunderstorm Risk Categories SERVICE Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near Developed by the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. • No Severe Thunderstorms Thunderstorms Expected, Lightning/ Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Flooding threats exist with all ( No Label ) thunderstorms, Winds to 40 Center (spc.noaa.gov) for counties where mph, Small hail. severe thunderstorms may occur. The watch area • Isolated severe thunderstorms is typically large, covering numerous counties or MARGINAL possible, Limited in duration even states. and / or intensity. Winds 40 - 1 (MRGL ) 60 mph. Low tornado risk. • Scattered severe Severe Thunderstorm Warning: thunderstorms possible. Take Action! • Short-lived and / or not SLIGHT widespread, isolated intense storms possible. One or two ( SLGT ) tornadoes. A severe thunderstorm has been indicated by 2 • Reports of strong wind damage radar or reported by a spotter producing hail one • Hail - 1”, Isolated - 2” THUNDERSTORM inch or larger in diameter and/or winds exceeding • Numerous severe 58 mph. Warnings indicate imminent danger to thunderstorms possible • More presistent and / or life and property. Take shelter in a substantial ENHANCED widespread. SAFETY building. Get out of mobile homes that could be • A few tornadoes. Several 3 ( ENH ) reports blown over by high winds. Severe thunderstorms of strong wind damage. can produce tornadoes with little or no advance • Damaging hail - 1 - 2” FOR YOU AND warning. • Widespread severe thunderstorms likely MODERATE • Long-lived, widespread and YOUR FAMILY intense. 4 ( MDT ) • Strong tornadoes. • Widespread wind damage • Destructive hail - 2”+ • Widespread severe thunderstorms expected. HIGH • Long-lived, very widespread and particularly intense. 5 ( HIGH ) • Tornado Outbreak. • Derecho NOAA PA 201853 BEFORE A THUNDERSTORM AFTER A THUNDERSTORM • Be Weather-Ready: Check the forecast • Stay Informed: Keep your NOAA Weather Radio regularly to see if you’re at risk for severe or portable radio with you in your safe place/ thunderstorms. Listen to local news or a NOAA shelter, so you can listen for updates on watches Weather Radio to stay informed about watches and warnings and know whether the threat has and warnings. Preparation is key to staying safe passed. and minimizing impacts. • Contact Your Family and Loved Ones: • Sign Up for Notifications:Know how your Sit down with your family or friends and develop a Let your family and close friends know that you’re community sends warnings. Check media severe communications plan. Photo NOAA okay so they can help spread the word. Power thunderstorm alerts available in your area. DURING A THUNDERSTORM may be out and phone lines may be down. • Create a Communications Plan: Have a • Assess the Damage: After you are sure the • Stay Weather-Ready: Continue to listen to local family plan that includes an emergency meeting severe weather threat has ended, check your news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated about place. Pick a safe room in your home such as a property for damage. When walking through storm watches and warnings. basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the damage, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and lowest floor with no windows. Get more details at ready.gov/make-a-plan • At Your House: Go to your secure location if you hear sturdy shoes. Contact local authorities if you see a severe thunderstorm warning and damaging wind or power lines down. Stay out of damaged buildings. • Practice Your Plan: Conduct a family severe large hail is approaching. Take your pets if time allows. Be aware of insurance scammers if your property thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows has been damaged. • At Your Workplace or School: Stay away from what to do if damaging wind or large hail is • Help Your Neighbor: If you see someone approaching. Don’t forget pets. windows if you are in a severe thunderstorm warning. Damaging wind or large hail could blow a heavy object injured, call 911 then. Then, if you are trained, • Prepare Your Home: Keep trees trimmed at windows. Do not go to large open rooms such as provide first aid until emergency responders near your house. If you have time before severe cafeterias, gymnasiums or auditoriums. arrive. weather hits, put away loose objects, close windows and doors, and move valuable objects • Outside: Go inside a sturdy building immediately if inside or under a sturdy structure. severe thunderstorms are approaching. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Taking shelter under a • Help Your Neighbor: Take CPR training so tree can be deadly. The tree may fall on you and you you can help if someone is hurt during severe are at risk of getting struck by lightning. weather. Conduct a drill with elderly or disabled neighbors. • In a vehicle: Being in a vehicle is safer than being outside; however, if you have time, drive to closest secure shelter. After a tornado, watch out for dangerous debris, such as sharp metal, For more information, visit glass, or downed power lines. Photo: NOAA weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm