Be Prepared - Thunderstorms

Seek Shelter from Lightning
Thunderstorm Watch versus Warning
SPC Convective Outlook Categories
Thunderstorms Can Escalate Quickly
Severe Weather Can Escalate Quickly
Chances of Being Struck By Lightning

Seek Shelter from Lightning

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times each year! Thunderstorms produce deadly lightning capable of striking up to 10 miles away from the storm — so, even if you don't see rain you could be in harm’s way. When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! See a Flash, Dash Inside!

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! STOP all outdoor activities. Seek shelter in a building or hard-topped vehicle. Wait 30 minutes after you last hear thunder to resume activities.

See a Flash, Dash Inside! STOP all activities. Seek shelter in a building or hard-topped vehicle. Wait 30 minutes after the storm to resume activities.

Thunderstorm Watch versus Warning

A Severe Thunderstorm WATCH means Be Prepared. Stay informed and be ready to act, because severe thunderstorms are possible. A Severe Thunderstorm WARNING means Take Action! Take shelter in a strong building, because severe weather is occurring or will occur shortly.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued when severe storms are possible. Pay attention to the forecast, keep an eye on sky conditions, and know where to take shelter. Get Ready. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when a severe storm is occurring or is imminent. Take shelter immediately! Take action!

SPC Convective Outlook Categories

Thunderstorms Can Escalate Quickly

Thunderstorms and squall lines can quickly turn clear skies dark. Stay Weather-Ready by having a way to get weather alerts on your phone, and stay safe by immediately going inside when the skies turn threatening.

Thunderstorms can escalate quickly. Clear skies can quickly turn dark and threatening due to emerging storms. Be prepared! Set up a way to receive weather alerts on your phone. When alerted to a storm, move inside a sturdy building immediately. Stay away from windows when inside. If there is no building nearby, go inside a vehicle.

Severe Weather Can Escalate Quickly

Tornadoes can form in minutes, day or night. Stay Weather-Ready by having a way to receive weather alerts any time of day. If you receive a Tornado Warning, get to shelter immediately.

Severe Weather can escalate quickly. While the possibility of tornadoes can be forecast ahead of time, they can form in minutes, day or night. Will you be prepared? Set up a way to get weather warnings any time of day. When alerted to a tornado, quickly get to a storm shelter or basement. If underground shelter isn't available, get to an interior hall away from windows.

Chances of Being Struck By Lightning

Each year in the United States, thunderstorms produce 20-25 million lightning flashes that strike the ground, killing an average of 20+ people and injuring hundreds more - often in devastating and permanent ways.

Your chance of being struck by lightning greatly increases when remaining outdoors during a thunderstorm. Lightning can strike from up to 10 miles away. Some of the activities people were doing when they were recently struck by lightning include golfing, boating, running, grilling, walking, construction, riding, gardening, and swimming. When thunder roars, go indoors! See a flash, dash inside!