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What to do During a Severe Storm <br /> Thunderstorms affect relatively small areas,compared with most other storms.The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles <br /> wide and lasts for only about 30 minutes,but whatever their size,all thunderstorms are dangerous. <br /> Severe thunderstorms produce large hail or winds of at least 58 mph.Some wind gusts can exceed 100 mph and <br /> produce tornado-like damage.Many communities will sound their outdoor sirens for damaging straight-line winds. <br /> When a severe thunderstorm threat is issued,stay inside a strong structure.Mobile home occupants should go to a more <br /> permanent structure. <br /> Thunderstorm Winds: <br /> The strong rush of wind from a thunderstorm is called a downburst.The primary cause is rain-cooled air that accel- <br /> erates downward,producing potentially damaging gusts of wind. <br /> Strong downbursts can be mistaken for tornadoes,and they're often accompanied by a roaring sound similar to that <br /> of a tornado.Downbursts can easily overturn mobile homes,tear roofs off houses and topple trees. Campers are espe- <br /> cially vulnerable because trees can fall into campsites and onto tents. <br /> Hail: <br /> Hail is a product of thunderstorms that cause nearly$1 billion in damage every year.Most hail is about pea-sized, <br /> but can reach grapefruit-size.Large had stones fall faster than 100 mph and have been known to kill people. <br /> Lightning: <br /> All thunderstorms produce lightning <br /> A bolt of lightning can be over five miles in length <br /> Lightning can strike up to 15 miles away from the center of a storm <br /> Your chance of being struck by lightning once in your lifetime: 1 in 12,000 (NWS Data) <br /> Lightning Safety Tips : <br /> No place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area <br /> If you hear thunder,lightning is close enough to strike you <br /> When you hear thunder,immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or <br /> plumbing or an enclosed,metal-topped vehicle with windows up <br /> Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder <br /> Indoor Lightning Safety <br /> Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct <br /> contact with electricity <br /> Avoid plumbing,including sinks,baths and faucets <br /> Stay away from windows and doors,and stay off porches <br /> If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby the <br /> following actions may reduce your risk: <br /> Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills,mountain �#w <br /> ridges or peaksOS <br /> Never lie flat on the ground ' <br /> Never shelter under an isolated tree <br /> Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter <br /> Immediately get out and away from ponds,lakes and other bodies of water <br /> Stay away from objects that conduct electricity <br /> (barbed wire fences,power lines,windmills,etc.) <br /> Photo by:Justin-uam <br /> 10 <br />