Thunderstorms & Lightning

Familiarize yourself with the following terms that are used to identify a thunderstorm hazard:

  • A thunderstorm watch means there is a possibility of a thunderstorm in your area.
  • A thunderstorm warning means a thunderstorm is occurring or will likely occur soon. If you are advised to take shelter, do so immediately.


The major threat from a thunder and lightning storm is the lightning. As with any storm there are certain precautions to prevent wind and rain damage:

Prepare your home:

  • Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
  • Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
  • Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.


Since lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from area where it is raining it is important to seek safe shelter as soon as you hear thunder.

  • A safe building is fully enclosed with a roof, walls, and floor, such as a home, school, office building or a shopping center. Keep in mind, even when you are inside you need to take certain precautions. Though enclosed buildings are safer than the outside, precautions must be made. If lightning strikes these types of buildings, or an outside telephone pole, the electrical current from the flash will typically travel through the wiring or the plumbing into the ground. Therefore, stay away from showers, sinks, hot tubs, etc., and electronic equipment such as TVs, radios, and computers.
  • A less than ideal or unsafe shelter includes car ports, covered but open garages, covered patio, picnic shelters, beach shacks/pavilions, golf shelters, camping tents, large outdoor tents, baseball dugouts and other small buildings such as sheds and greenhouses that do not have electricity or plumbing.
  • A safe vehicle is a hard-topped car, SUV, minivan, bus, tractor, etc. (soft-topped convertibles are not safe). If you seek shelter in your vehicle, make sure all doors are closed and windows rolled up. Do not touch any metal surfaces.
  • To minimize your chances of being hit by lightning when stranded outdoors during a lightning storm you must remember these guidelines:
    • Do NOT seek shelter under tall isolated trees. The tree may help you stay dry but will significantly increase your risk of being struck by lightning. Rain will not kill you, but the lightning can!
    • Do NOT seek shelter under partially enclosed buildings
    • Stay away from tall, isolated objects. Lightning typically strikes the tallest object. That may be you in an open field or clearing.
    • Know the weather forecast. If there is a high chance of thunderstorms, curtail your outdoor activities.
    • Stay away from metal objects, such as fences, poles and backpacks. Metal is an excellent conductor. The current from a lightning flash will easily travel for long distances
    • If lightning is in the immediate area, and there is no safe location nearby, stay at least 15 feet apart from other members of your group so the lightning won't travel between you if hit. If you can possibly run to a vehicle or building, DO so. Sitting or crouching on the ground is NOT safe and should be a last resort if an enclosed building or vehicle is not available.


Resources include the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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