Thunderstorms

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Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms are defined as storms capable of producing powerful winds, creating lightning and hail, and can cause flash flooding and tornadoes. 

Terms Used During A Thunderstorm

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Severe thunderstorms are possible in your area. This is the time to be informed and be prepared when a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. 

Considerable Damage Threat

When there is at least 1.75-inch diameter (golf ball-sized) hail and/or 70 mph thunderstorm winds.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated on radar. Now is the time to take action and take shelter in a substantial building. 

Destructive Damage Threat

When there is at least 2.75-inch diameter (baseball-sized) hail and/or 80 mph thunderstorm winds. Warnings with this tag will activate a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) for the warned area. 

Thunderstorm Threats

Lightning

Is one of the biggest dangers associated with thunderstorms. Lightning can occur at any time of day and at any time of year. According to the National Weather Service, lightning can strike 20 miles away from the parent thunderstorm. Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors. If lightning hits someone, they need prompt medical attention. Lightning causes more deaths annually in the United States than tornadoes and hurricanes combined. More than 200 people die each year from lightning or fires caused by lightning.

Hail

Solid ice formed inside thunderstorm updrafts and can damage aircraft, homes, and cars and be deadly to people and animals. Many times, the size of hailstones are compared to common objects, most range in size from a 1/8 inch (BB-size) to 4.5 inches (grapefruit). 

Flash Flooding

A flash flood is caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period. They can occur within minutes or a few hours of excessive rainfall. Areas damaged by wildfires are particularly susceptible to flash floods and debris flows during rainstorms. 

Damaging Winds

There are different types of damaging winds that are not tornadoes. These winds often exceed 50 - 60 mph. People living in mobile homes are especially vulnerable. An anchored mobile home can be seriously damaged when wind gusts exceed 80 mph. Some types of damaging winds include:

  • Sraight-line wind. Mainly used to define any thunderstorm wind not associated with rotation.
  • Macroburst. Winds that begin over a smaller area then spread out to a wider area, sometimes producing similar damage to a tornado. These can also be associated with showers too weak to produce thunder. 
  • Microburst. These are small and short-lived, lasting only five to ten minutes with maximum windspeeds exceeding 100 mph. 
  • Derecho. A widespread, long-lived wind storm. The wind damage swath extends more than 240 miles and includes wind gusts of at least 58 mph.

Tornadoes

A rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground. It is hard to see a tornado unless the funnel is made up of water droplets, dust, and debris. They can occur at any time of the year.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER A

  • Know your risk. Know your area’s risk for thunderstorms. On average, the number of days per year with thunderstorms in Wisconsin ranges from 30 to 40 days, according to the National Weather Service.
  • Be informed. Make sure your smartphone is set to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts for severe weather. Have a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather radio that can alert you to weather conditions in your area. Sign up for community alerts.
  • Strengthen your home. Cut down trees that may be in danger of falling on your home. Trim trees and branches. Secure loose objects that may blow away, close windows and doors, and move any valuable objects inside or under a sturdy structure. Have whole-house surge protectors to protect your appliances.
  • Make a plan. Create an emergency plan so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves from the effects of a thunderstorm. Identify a safe spot and/or sturdy buildings close to where you live, work, study, and play.

  • When thunder roars, go indoors! If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Find shelter in a sturdy building or car. DO NOT take shelter in small sheds, a structure with exposed sides, or baseball dugouts. Stay in place for 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
  • Get away immediately. If you are caught outside, immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, and get out of and away from ponds, lakes, pools, and other bodies of water. 

If caught outside with no safe shelter nearby:

    • In a forest. Seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.
    • In an open area. Go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. Get away from tractors and other metal farm equipment as well as wire fences, clotheslines, pipes, rails, and other metallic paths that could carry lightning to you from some distance away.
    • Be alert for flash floods. 
    • On open water. Get to land and find shelter immediately.
    • If you feel your hair stand on end. This means lightning is about to strike. Squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place hands over your ears and put your head between your knees. You are making yourself the smallest target possible and minimizing contact with the ground. DO NOT lie flat on the ground.
  • Stay away from windows. Damaging wind or hail may be approaching.
  • Avoid water. Do not bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water because lightning can travel through a building’s plumbing.
  • Avoid electronic equipment. Do not use computers, gaming systems, or anything connected to an electrical outlet. Use landline phones only in an emergency. Lightning can travel through electrical systems and telephone lines.
  • Avoid flooded roadways. Turn around, Don’t drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
  • Get updates. Use a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials. Smartphones are safe to use.

  • Stay informed. Pay attention to authorities and weather forecasts for information on whether it is safe to go outside and instructions for possible flash flooding.
  • Be aware. Watch for fallen power lines and trees. Report them immediately. Stay out of damaged buildings.
  • Contact loved ones. Let family and friends know that you’re okay. Text messages and social media are more reliable forms of communication than phone calls. Mobile phone calls can overwhelm provider capacity during an emergency.
  • Help neighbors. If you come across people that are injured, if you are properly trained you can provide first aid to victims until emergency response teams arrive.

Additional Resources

American Red Cross - Thunderstorm Safety

Ready Wisconsin - Thunderstorms

National Weather Service (NWS) - Severe Thunderstorm Safety

National Weather Service (NWS) - Lightning Safety Tips & Resources

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