Thunderstorms pack a punch
Packing damaging winds and deadly lightning strikes, severe thunderstorms account for the lion’s share of storm-related damage in the mid-South during the average year.
Severe thunderstorms can strike any time of year if the atmospheric conditions are right. However, the storms are most common during the spring months of March, April and May. A secondary season, also common for severe thunderstorms, is November and December.
According to the National Weather Service, damaging thunderstorm winds are much more common than tornadoes in the mid-South.
Warren County can annually expect to see around five severe thunderstorms in the average year. But that number can vary greatly given atmospheric conditions. The number of severe thunderstorms in this area greatly outnumbers the total of verified tornadoes. Since 1950, Warren County has seen 10 confirmed tornado touchdowns.
A thunderstorm is labeled “severe” by the National Weather Service when wind speeds reach 58 mph and/or hail is produced that is three-quarters of an inch in diameter.
Straight-line winds from severe thunderstorms can exceed 100 miles per hour, overturning trailers, unroofing homes, toppling trees and power lines. The straight line winds produced by thunderstorm downbursts can exceed the velocity of a weak tornado. In fact, damage associated with these straight line winds is often mistaken for the aftermath of a tornado. A severe thunderstorm can also spawn a tornado with little or no warning.
Given the fact severe thunderstorms are prone to produce tornadoes without warning, expects advise that you taken appropriate precautions when a severe thunderstorm warning is issued by the NWS. A warning means a severe thunderstorm is active in your area.
Experts say in the case of a severe thunderstorm warning, you should seek shelter in a sturdy building that will withstand high winds.
In addition, you are advised to avoid electrical appliances, metal pipes and corded telephones.
The reason for the warning about electrical equipment is the potentially deadly lightning associated with thunderstorms.
According to the NWS, in an average year, lightning claims more lives than tornadoes or hurricanes. Lightning charges may reach as high as 100 million volts and may be lethal even if the victim is miles from the parent storm.
Along with being a dangerous part of severe thunderstorms, deadly lightning may also be produced by small spring-time afternoon storms. The electrical charge produced is always searching for the path of least resistance to complete its circuit. Lightning will normally strike the tallest object in the area of the potential discharge. Tall trees, light poles and telephone lines are frequent targets.
In the case of a lightning-producing thunderstorm, experts say you should seek shelter inside a house, large building or an all metal vehicle with the windows rolled up.
If you cannot find appropriate shelter, get down on the ground in the lowest area you can find to prevent being the highest point for a lightning discharge. Crouch down and cover your head with your hands. If you are with a group of people, everyone should scatter before crouching.
If caught in a wooded area, seek out the area with the smallest trees and stand at least five feet from the nearest tree to avoid being hit by flying bark should the tree be struck by a bolt.
When boating, head for shore and appropriate shelter. If caught in the boat, lie down in the boat with cushions between you and the boat’s side and bottom.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no residual charge left in a body struck by lightning. Therefore, it is safe to apply CPR to a person struck by lightning.
Hail rarely causes deaths, but injuries have occurred during hail storms as large hailstones may fall at speeds faster than 100 mph.
Hail is formed by strong rising currents of air within a storm, called updrafts, that carry water droplets to a height where freezing occurs. Ice particles then grow in size and become too heavy to be supported by the updraft and fall to the ground.