Thunderstorms pose risks from lightning, flooding or tornadoes

From lightning:
people at risk are those who are outdoors (especially under or near tall trees, in or on water, or on or near hilltops.)

From flooding:
people who are in automobiles when flash flooding occurs near them are at risk.

From tornadoes:
the greatest risk is for those people who are in mobile homes and automobiles.

Preparedness Tips: Stay indoors, and wait until 30 minutes after the storm passes to go outside Listend to EAS radio stations for information (740 AM and 88.7 FM) or have a NOAA weather radio Seek shelter as soon as you see lightning or hear thunder If you are in a car, pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle. Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside. Have emergency supplies on hand. Check for hazards in the yard. Dead or rotting trees and branches can fall during a severe thunderstorm and cause injury or damage.

What to listen for:

Severe Thunderstorm Watch:

tells you when and where severe thunderstorms are more likely to occur. Watch the sky and stay tuned to know when warnings are issued. Watches are intended to heighten public awareness and should not be confused with warnings.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning:
issued when severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm

FAQ:

Why do some thunderstorm have a greenish hue?

No one really knows what causes thunderstorm clouds to look green at times. It could have something to do with sunlight refracting through the storm.

Do all thunderstorms have hail?

Most thunderstorms have hail, but not all thunderstorms produce hail at the ground. Temperatures at the upper levels of a thunderstorm are well

below freezing, allowing for the development of hail, but sometimes it melts before reaching the surface of the earth.

What is a supercell?

A supercell is an often dangerous convective storm with a very organized internal structure including a rotating updraft that allows it to keep going for up to several hours. Supercells are capable of producing severe weather including high winds, large hail, and strong tornadoes. They are most frequently isolated and often develop in the warm air ahead of a squall line. A supercell also usually forms in an environment with strong vertical wind shear that causes the updraft to begin rotating.

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