Severe thunderstorm warning

Understanding Severe Thunderstorm Warnings: A Guide to Safety

Have you ever wondered what a severe thunderstorm warning really means? It’s like a loud, clear voice in the sky, telling us that danger is on its way. But how do we interpret this message and stay safe?

The Basics of Severe Thunderstorms

A severe thunderstorm warning is a critical alert issued by weather forecasting agencies when conditions are ripe for storms that can cause significant damage or injury. These warnings are like the red light on your car’s dashboard, signaling you to take immediate action.

The Criteria for Warnings

In the United States, the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a severe thunderstorm warning when an observed storm is producing wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour or hail of at least one inch in diameter. These criteria can vary from country to country, but they all aim to keep people safe.

What Does a Severe Thunderstorm Warning Mean?

A severe thunderstorm warning indicates that the warned area is in imminent danger from large hail, high winds, lightning, and flooding. It’s like a ticking time bomb, and you need to be prepared. These storms can produce tornadoes without warning, making them even more dangerous.

Enhanced Warnings: A Particularly Dangerous Situation

The NWS has the option of adding enhanced wording to severe thunderstorm warnings when an extremely intense storm is expected to impact a densely populated area, indicating a ‘particularly dangerous situation’ or ‘severe thunderstorm emergency.’ This means you need to take immediate action and seek shelter.

Understanding the Warnings

The NWS uses specific tags to provide more detailed information about the threat. For example:

• HAIL THREAT: Indicates the size of hail expected, with ‘considerable’ meaning 70 mph wind gusts and one-inch hail.
• WIND THREAT: Indicates the maximum wind gusts, often in the range of 60 to 70 miles per hour.

The tags help you understand the potential impact. For instance, a ‘considerable’ tag means that 70 mph wind gusts are possible, which can cause significant damage to structures and vehicles.

Real-Life Examples of Severe Thunderstorm Warnings

Let’s take a look at some real-life examples:

• San Angelo, TX (2022): A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for western Jones County and east central Fisher County. The storm had 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.
• Mobile, AL (2020): A cluster of severe thunderstorms in southeastern Baldwin County, west central Santa Rosa County, and Escambia County brought 60 mph wind gusts.
• Chicago/Romeoville (2024): Severe thunderstorms with 70 mph wind gusts were expected to hit northeastern Illinois. The warning included areas of Grundy County, McHenry County, DuPage County, and Cook County.

What You Can Do During a Severe Thunderstorm Warning

The NWS recommends moving to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building for protection against hail and wind. Stay away from windows, as flying debris can cause severe injuries. If you’re driving, avoid flooded roadways, as just six inches of water can sweep your vehicle away.

Key Precautions

• Move indoors: Seek shelter immediately to protect yourself from lightning and hail.
• Avoid windows: Flying debris can cause severe injuries, so stay away from them.
• Stay informed: Keep an eye on weather updates and follow the NWS’s advice.

Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Take cover immediately and wait until the storm passes before venturing outside again.

Severe thunderstorms are a serious matter, and understanding the warnings can save lives. By staying informed and taking appropriate actions, you can ensure your safety during these dangerous weather events.

In conclusion, severe thunderstorm warnings are not just words on a screen; they’re a call to action. Stay alert, stay safe, and always be prepared for what nature may throw at us.