A significant late-season winter storm will bring an expanding area of heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain to the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Further south, severe thunderstorms are expected from the southern Plains into the southern Great Lakes. A multi-day excessive rain and flooding event will impact the Ozarks into the Ohio Valley through Saturday. Read More >
Biggest takeaway:
This is a routine occurrence/hazard that needs a plan - otherwise, you are putting your people's lives at risk. When Thunder Roars - Go Indoors (or into your vehicle). Nearly all lightning deaths occur outside - from people disregarding their risk, or thinking they have a few minutes more. The most deadly strikes are often the first few before the rain begins.
Warning/Trigger for Plan:
There is no NWS warning for lightning threat, but nature has its own warning - thunder.
Advance Notice/Time to Activate & Accomplish Your Planned Response:
Typically 5-30 minutes
Frequency: ~ 20 times/year at various time of day & night