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Are Thunderstorms Dangerous?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

While thunder itself is not usually dangerous, except in extremely rare circumstances, thunderstorms are, because they are associated with meteorological phenomena like lightning, which can be highly dangerous. If you observe a thunderstorm approaching, try to take cover indoors, and refrain from using the phone or other electrical appliances while staying well clear of the windows. If you are caught outside during a storm, hunch as low to the ground as you can, and avoid lone trees or metal, which can attract lightning. If someone is struck by lighting during a thunderstorm, get medical attention as soon as possible.

Several things make thunderstorms dangerous. The first is lightning, which accompanies most thunderstorms. Lightning is an electrical discharge which occurs as a result of the separation of positive and negative particles which occurs in many storm systems as the clouds are jostled in the weather. If struck by lightning, a person can die or be seriously injured, and lightning will also damage homes and other property. While death or severe injuries from a lightning strike are rare, they do happen.

Hail, which often forms in thunderstorms, can be dangerous.
Hail, which often forms in thunderstorms, can be dangerous.

Thunderstorms are also associated with heavy rain, winds, and hail. The leading cause of death related to thunderstorms is actually flash flooding, which occurs when high amounts of rain fall in a very short period of time. Some areas are more prone to flash flooding than others, but if you are caught in a thunderstorm, watch out for gullies and gulches which may collect water in a flash flood. High wind can cause property damage and fell trees and power lines, potentially posing a hazard, while hail can be deadly if the chunks are large enough, or at least cause serious bruising.

A thunderstorm with a tornado.
A thunderstorm with a tornado.

In some areas, tornadoes are associated with thunderstorms. Although this does not always occur, a tornado can be very hazardous for people caught in it, and it can contribute to property damage if it gets large enough. If you live in an area which is prone to tornadoes, shelter should be taken in a basement during thunderstorms to avoid the potentially devastating sensation of being caught in a tornado.

Severe thunderstorms can result in flash flooding.
Severe thunderstorms can result in flash flooding.

If you have young children, make sure that they understand thunderstorm safety, especially if you live in a region where thunderstorms are frequent. Be aware that lightning can also strike randomly far away from a thunderstorm, so if you can hear or see a thunderstorm, you should take measures to protect yourself. You may also want to consider wearing ear protection, as thunder at high decibel levels can have an impact on your hearing, or leave you with ringing ears for several days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary dangers associated with thunderstorms?

People and pets should go inside homes and buildings during lightning storms to the avoid risk of getting struck.
People and pets should go inside homes and buildings during lightning storms to the avoid risk of getting struck.

Thunderstorms pose several risks, including lightning strikes, which cause an average of 49 fatalities yearly in the United States according to the National Weather Service. High winds can topple structures and trees, while heavy rain can lead to flash flooding, one of the leading weather-related killers. Hail can damage property and injure people and animals outdoors.

How can I stay safe during a thunderstorm?

Thunderstorms with high amounts of lightning can be dangerous when someone is in an open space or near a body of water.
Thunderstorms with high amounts of lightning can be dangerous when someone is in an open space or near a body of water.

To ensure safety during a thunderstorm, seek shelter in a sturdy building or a car with a metal top. Avoid electrical appliances and plumbing, as lightning can travel through wiring and pipes. Stay away from windows to avoid injury from shattered glass due to strong winds or hail. The CDC recommends waiting at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before leaving shelter.

Can thunderstorms cause tornadoes?

Tornadoes produced by thunderstorms can cause significant damage.
Tornadoes produced by thunderstorms can cause significant damage.

Yes, thunderstorms can spawn tornadoes, particularly severe supercell thunderstorms. These highly organized storms contain a well-defined rotating updraft called a mesocyclone, which can lead to the formation of tornadoes. According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, about 1,200 tornadoes hit the U.S. each year, often resulting from powerful thunderstorms.

Is it safe to use mobile phones during a thunderstorm?

It is generally safe to use mobile phones during a thunderstorm, as they do not have a direct connection to electrical wires that can conduct lightning. However, corded phones should be avoided. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) advises using mobile phones only in emergencies during storms to keep lines open for critical communications.

What should I do if I'm caught outside during a thunderstorm?

If caught outdoors during a thunderstorm, find shelter immediately. If no shelter is available, crouch low to the ground, minimizing contact with the ground, and avoid tall objects like trees that can attract lightning. The National Weather Service recommends staying away from isolated tall structures, bodies of water, and open fields.

How can I tell how far away a thunderstorm is?

You can estimate the distance of a thunderstorm by counting the seconds between seeing lightning and hearing thunder. Every five seconds equates to approximately one mile distance, due to the speed of sound through the atmosphere. This method, known as the "flash-to-bang" technique, can help determine if a storm is moving towards you, according to the National Weather Service.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Hail, which often forms in thunderstorms, can be dangerous.
      By: Gavin Anderson
      Hail, which often forms in thunderstorms, can be dangerous.
    • A thunderstorm with a tornado.
      By: maldesowhat
      A thunderstorm with a tornado.
    • Severe thunderstorms can result in flash flooding.
      By: FedeCandoniPhoto
      Severe thunderstorms can result in flash flooding.
    • People and pets should go inside homes and buildings during lightning storms to the avoid risk of getting struck.
      By: El Gaucho
      People and pets should go inside homes and buildings during lightning storms to the avoid risk of getting struck.
    • Thunderstorms with high amounts of lightning can be dangerous when someone is in an open space or near a body of water.
      By: Paul Lampard
      Thunderstorms with high amounts of lightning can be dangerous when someone is in an open space or near a body of water.
    • Tornadoes produced by thunderstorms can cause significant damage.
      By: FrankBirds
      Tornadoes produced by thunderstorms can cause significant damage.