SEVERE THUNDERSTORM DEFINITION: A severe thunderstorm as defined by the National Weather Service is a storm with hail = or > than 1" in diameter or convective wind gusts = or > than 58 mph. Even if a storm is not severe, it still remains a potential killer. Lightning, flash flooding, wind blown hail (even small hail), and general thunderstorm wind gusts pose a threat to life and / or property. Severe thunderstorms also have the potential of producing a tornado with little or no advanced tornado warning. NOAA WATCH AND WARNING DEFINITIONS: SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH- The conditions are favorable for the development of thunderstorms that will contain hail = or > than 1" in diameter or convective wind gusts = or > than 58 mph. Severe thunderstorms are also capable of producing a tornado TORNADO WATCH- The conditions are favorable for the development of tornadic storms SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING- A severe thunderstorm has been spotted by a valid storm spotter or there is strong evidence from radar data that a severe thunderstorm is occurring TORNADO WARNING- A tornado has been spotted by a valid storm spotter or there is strong evidence from radar data that a tornado is occurring SPECIAL STATEMENTS- A special statement may be issued if a thunderstorm has characteristics that pose a danger to the public (even if the storm is not officially severe). Special weather statements could be issued for vivid cloud-to-ground lightning and localized flooding. With respect to loss of human life, flash flooding along with lightning are the two greatest killers SEVERE THUNDERSTORM PREPARATION WHILE AT HOME: 1. Secure any loose, high profile and small objects outside before the storm hits 2. Stay inside during the thunderstorm 3. Try to protect vehicle from hail damage (such as placing vehicle in the garage) before storm hits 4. Unplug sensitive equipment such as computers and other electronic equipment 5. Stay off the telephone and electronic equipment (if needed use battery operated TV, radio and phone) 6. Stay out of bath or shower 7. Keep a distance from windows 8. Be ready to take shelter in center of building on lowest floor crouched low to the ground 9. Listen to battery operated NOAA weather radio for updates SEVERE THUNDERSTORM PREPARATION WHILE TRAVELING: 1. Do not drive into a strong thunderstorm (especially when a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch is in effect in or near the area) 2. If trapped in a storm, stay in the vehicle if large hail and / or vivid cloud-to-ground lightning is occurring. 3. If trapped on the highway, try to safely park the vehicle under an overpass 4. Reduce speed significantly if driving through a thunderstorm 5. Do not drive through flooded streets with unknown depth of water. Most flooding deaths occur in cars at night. Moving water is much more dangerous to drive through than stationary water 6. Listen to battery operated NOAA weather radio for updates **note: if a tornado is imminent, it will then be best to abandon vehicle |