|
All thunderstorms are dangerous. Every thunderstorm produces
lightning. In the United States, an average of 300 people are
injured and 80 people are killed each year by lightning. Although
most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often
report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms. Other associated
dangers of thunderstorms include tornadoes, strong winds, hail,
and flash flooding. Flash flooding is responsible for more fatalities—more
than 140 annually—than any other thunderstorm-associated hazard.
Dry thunderstorms that do not produce rain that reaches the
ground are most prevalent in the western United States. Falling
raindrops evaporate, but lightning can still reach the ground
and can start wildfires.
Facts About Thunderstorms
- They may occur singly, in clusters, or in lines.
- Some of the most severe occur when a single thunderstorm
affects one location for an extended time.
- Thunderstorms typically produce heavy rain for a brief period,
anywhere from 3 0 minutes to an hour.
- Warm, humid conditions are highly favorable for thunderstorm
development.
- About 10 percent of thunderstorms are classified as severe—one
that produces hail at least three-quarters of an inch in diameter,
has winds of 58 miles per hour or higher, or produces a tornado.
Facts About Lightning
- Lightning’s unpredictability increases the risk to individuals
and property.
- Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur
as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.
- "Heat lightning" is actually lightning from a thunderstorm
too far away for thunder to be heard. However, the storm
may be moving in your direction!
- Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are
caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon and
evening.
- Your chances of being struck by lightning are estimated to
be 1 in 600,000, but could be reduced even further by following
safety precautions.
- Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and should
be attended to immediately.
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/thunderstorm/index.shtm
|
