All thunderstorms are dangerous. Every
thunderstorm produces lightning. In the
United States, an average of 300 people
are injured and 80 people are killed each
year by lightning. Although most lightning
victims survive, people struck by lightning
often report a variety of long-term, debilitating
symptoms. Other associated dangers of thunderstorms
include tornadoes, strong winds, hail,
and flash flooding. Flash flooding is responsible
for more fatalities—more than 140
annually—than any other thunderstorm-associated
hazard.
Dry thunderstorms that do not produce
rain that reaches the ground are most prevalent
in the western United States. Falling raindrops
evaporate, but lightning can still reach
the ground and can start wildfires.
Facts About Thunderstorms
They may occur singly, in clusters, or
in lines.
Some of the most severe occur
when a single thunderstorm affects one
location for an
extended time.
Thunderstorms typically
produce heavy rain for a brief period,
anywhere from 3 0 minutes
to an hour.
Warm, humid conditions are
highly favorable for thunderstorm development.
About 10 percent of thunderstorms are
classified as severe—one that produces hail
at least three-quarters of an inch in diameter,
has winds of 58 miles per hour or higher,
or produces a tornado.
Facts About Lightning
Lightning’s unpredictability increases
the risk to individuals and property.
Lightning
often strikes outside of heavy rain and
may occur as far as 10 miles away
from any rainfall.
"
Heat lightning" is actually lightning
from a thunderstorm too far away for thunder
to be heard. However, the storm may be
moving in your direction!
Most lightning
deaths and injuries occur when people
are caught outdoors in the
summer months during the afternoon and
evening.
Your chances of being struck
by lightning are estimated to be 1 in
600,000, but
could be reduced even further by following
safety
precautions.
Lightning strike victims
carry no electrical charge and should
be attended to immediately.
