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

www.weather.gov/thunderstorm