Severe Storms
Thunderstorms are a common spring and summer occurrence throughout
West Virginia. Thunderstorm winds and lightning kill more people
each year than tornadoes. In fact, it's been over 17 years since
someone was killed by a tornado in this state.
Facts
- Over a 30-year period, lightning has caused approximately 83
deaths in the United States each year.
- All thunderstorms produce lightning. Lightning often strikes
outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any
rainfall.
- Most lightning occurs within the cloud or between the cloud and
the ground.
- Lightning results from the buildup and discharge of electrical
energy between positively and negatively charged areas. The action
of rising and descending air within a thunderstorm separate positive
and negative charges.
- West Virginia experiences thunderstorm activity an average of 30
to 50 days annually.
- They typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts 20 -
30 minutes.
- Nearly 1,800 thunderstorms occur at any moment around the
world. That's 16 million storms per year.
- Of the estimated 100,000 thunderstorms that occur each year in
the United States, only about 10% are classified as severe.
- Severe thunderstorms can produce damaging winds as strong as the
winds in a weak tornado and can be life threatening.
- A severe thunderstorm can produce hail that is 3/4 inch in
diameter or larger, winds of 58 miles per hour or higher, or
tornadoes.
- Large hail causes nearly $1 billion in damage to property and
crops annually.
- The costliest US hailstorm occurred in Denver on July 11, 1990,
which produces a total hail damage estimated at $625 million.
Severe Storm Safety Tips
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If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to
the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to a safe shelter
immediately, such as a sturdy building or car. Do not take
shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible
automobiles.
-
Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct
electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining
weather information. Avoid using electrical appliances.
Use phones ONLY in an emergency.
-
Turn off air conditioners. Power surges
from lightning can overload the compressors.
-
Do not take a bath or shower. Water is an
electrical conductor.
-
If caught outdoors and no shelter is nearby, get
inside a hard top automobile and keep the windows up.
-
If no automobile is available, find a low spot
away from trees, fences and poles. Be alert to the possibility
of flash flooding.
-
If you are in the woods, take shelter under short
trees or shrubs.
-
If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand
on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet.
Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make
yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with
the ground.
-
If you are boating or swimming, get to land and
find shelter immediately.
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Stay away from open outdoor spaces.