There are several types of severe weather that one can encounter. They can come all at once or individually as each storm is different in its own way. The main threats from thunderstorms are lightning, wind, rain, hail, and tornadoes. Each of these can bring life threatening risks that are good to be aware of.
Warnings are not generally issued because of lightning, and lightning can be a hazard in non severe storms. Lightning is an electrical current. You needn't be struck directly by the lightning to be a victim of its effects. It can travel distances through objects and can even strike you indoors through conductors such as pipes or wires. The electrical charges will interfere with your bodies electric nervous system causing damage or death. It can also "pass over" the outside of the body leaving burns. Many people are killed each year by lightning. The catch phrase to remember is, when thunder roars, go indoors.
Wind, on the other hand, is something upon which a severe thunderstorm warning will be issued. Wind speeds of 58 mph or greater will cause a severe thunderstorm warning to be issued. This is the speed at which more significant damage begins occurring; damage that can cause injury or death to a person, or significant property damage. Power outages are also caused by the wind that can be more than just a nuisance should the outage last for any length of time. In larger wind events, power could be out for days.
Rain is not something that brings a severe thunderstorm warning, but is an inherent danger in thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms can produce very large amounts of rainfall in a very short period of time that can cause flash flooding to occur that can wash away, people, cars, and property. Prolonged periods can cause longer lasting flooding that lingers on. The phrase "turn around, don't drown" is put out to help remind people not to go into flooded waters and they can be deadly.
Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued for hail; hail that is greater than 3/4 of an inch in diameter. Hail stones fall at high rates of speed and when they get large can be devastating to property and can kill living creatures. Most hail is small, but in rare instances can get up to softball size. Hail of that size will total you car.
Tornadoes get their own special warning because of their destructive and deadly properties. Most of us have seen what the large tornadoes can do to communities over the last few years. The scenes of devastation can be apocalyptic and leave places unrecognizable and uninhabitable. Debris can also be carried long distances. Last year I was 30 miles away from a major tornado and had large pieces of debris raining out of the sky; pieces of roof and walls, insulation, personal affects. It was nerve wracking to realize that this was pieces of peoples disrupted lives raining down on me, and that some were likely dead.
Watches are issued by the national weather service when the conditions that could produce severe weather appear to be coming together in a region. They might be a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch, depending on conditions being favorable for their development. When a watch is issued, that is when you should already have your plans ready to go. Stay informed with your local weather reports and have a NOAA weather radio in case a warning is issued for your area. They only cost $30 - $40. It is much like having a smoke alarm. They are there for when you need them.
When a warning is issued, this means that severe weather is ongoing and will be entering your area. This is the time when you put your emergency plans into play. Many people are caught off guard in severe weather because they don't have a plan on what to do and often are left frozen with indecision and confusion. Some people just plain don't heed or take serious the warnings. Don't be that person. It only takes one time for it to be fatal or life altering.
And, I don't want to forget about the aftermath. After a severe event there may be a lot of debris about and downed power lines. You generally want to stay in place if it is safe to do so. You may have to help neighbors should they need it too. Your being prepared may not only help you and your family, but neighbors also. People who are not affected can help by staying out of damaged areas and donating cash to known charities such as the red cross who deal with disasters on a regular basis. Cash is best because these organizations know what the immediate needs are and they would rather not be inundated by other peoples throwaways.
Stay informed, have a plan, and help others if you can.
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