THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING TIPS

THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING

Thunderstorms affect relatively small areas when compared with hurricanes and winter storms. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes. Nearly 1,800 thunderstorms are occurring at any moment around the world. That’s 16 million a year. Despite their small size; all thunderstorms are dangerous. Of the estimated 100,000 thunderstorms that occur each year in the United States, only 10 percent are classified as severe.

Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes. Heavy rain can lead to flooding. Strong winds and tornadoes are also dangers associated with some thunderstorms. Along the Gulf Coast, most thunderstorms occur during the afternoon.

Lightning causes an average of 93 deaths and 300 injuries annually and causes several hundred million dollars in damage. Florida leads the nation in the number of lightning death and injuries.

Flash Floods/Floods cause 140 fatalities each year. Most flash flood deaths occur when people become trapped in their automobiles.

Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. Winds can exceed 200 mph. Tornadoes result in an average of 80 deaths and 1,500 injuries each year.

Straight line winds are responsible for most thunderstorm wind damage. A small area of rapidly descending air beneath a thunderstorm can cause damaging winds in excess of 100 mph. The strong winds usually approach from one direction and may be known as "straight line" winds. One type of straight line winds, the downburst (above), can cause as much damage as a strong tornado.