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Social Media: Thunderstorm Safety
#SpringSafety

 

Please help the National Weather Service spread these important safety messages on social media! Everyone is welcome to use the text and images provided below to help the NWS build a Weather-Ready Nation.

How Does Hail Form?

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Hail forms when updrafts in thunderstorms carry raindrops upward into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere, allowing the raindrops to freeze. The stronger the updraft, the bigger the hailstone can become before falling out of the storm. Some of the largest hailstones ever recorded are the size of softballs! http://www.weather.gov/jetstream/hail #ThunderstormScience

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Hail forms when thunderstorm updrafts carry raindrops upward into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere. http://www.weather.gov/jetstream/hail #ThunderstormScience

How Does Hail Form?

 

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

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A severe thunderstorm WARNING means TAKE ACTION. When a severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for your area, move inside a sturdy structure immediately and stay away from windows. Strong, damaging winds and large hail are occurring or will shortly. Take Action! Acting early helps save lives! weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm-ww #SpringSafety

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A severe thunderstorm WARNING means TAKE ACTION and seek shelter! weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm-ww #SpringSafety

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

 

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

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A severe thunderstorm WATCH means BE PREPARED. When there is a severe thunderstorm watch pay extra close attention to the weather and be ready to act. Strong, damaging winds and large hail are possible. Preparing ahead of time helps save lives! weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm-ww #SpringSafety

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Watch means BE PREPARED. Preparation helps to save lives! weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm-ww #SpringSafety

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

 

Thunderstorms for Mariners

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Thunderstorms can be a mariner's worst nightmare. They can develop quickly and can produce strong wind, pounding rain, deadly lightning, and hail with very little places for shelter. Even marginal thunderstorm winds can capsize certain boats and other floating vessels. If you are out on the open water and see clouds quickly growing in the distance, it may be thunderstorms that are developing. Don’t wait until you can hear thunder or see lightning. It is best to head to port or safe shelter at the first sign of a developing storm. weather.gov/safety/safeboating-during #SpringSafety

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Boaters: When storms start to form, head to port or safe shelter immediately! weather.gov/safety/safeboating-during #SpringSafety

Boating Safety

 

Damaging Hail

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Did you know that a 3-inch hailstone can fall to the ground as fast as 107 mph? The largest hailstone on record in the US measured 7.9 inches! Find shelter, stay indoors, and stay away from windows. weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm #SpringSafety

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Severe thunderstorms can produce damaging hail! weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm #SpringSafety

Thunderstorms Produce Hail

 

On the Lake

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Heading out for a day of fun on the lake?  Watch out for thunderstorms!  Make sure to check the forecast before heading out and have a portable radio in the boat to get the latest forecasts.  If the skies turn threatening, head to shore!  weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm #SpringSafety

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Heading out for a day of fun on the lake?  Watch out for thunderstorms! weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm #SpringSafety

On the Lake

 

Spending Time Outdoors

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Spending time outdoors? Watch out for thunderstorms! Be aware of the forecast before you head out, and know how you will receive a thunderstorm warning if one is issued.  Identify where the nearest shelter is located, and if the skies turn threatening, seek shelter immediately. weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm #SpringSafety

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Spending time outdoors? Watch out for thunderstorms! weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm #SpringSafety

Spending Time Outdoors

 

Heavy Rain

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Thunderstorms can produce heavy rain, which can lead to flooding. Watch out for water of an unknown depth - it only takes 6 inches of flowing water to knock over a person, and 12 inches to carry away a car. If you can’t see the road, Turn Around Don't Drown! weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm #SpringSafety

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Thunderstorms can lead to flooding. Never drive through flood waters. weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm #SpringSafety

Heavy Rain

 

Camping Safety

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Going camping? Watch out for thunderstorms! Know your weather forecast, and notify your family or friends of your plans. Have an evacuation plan and know where you can find shelter. Make sure to pack a safety kit and a radio for forecast updates. weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm #SpringSafety

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Going camping?  Watch out for thunderstorms! weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm #SpringSafety

Camping Safety

 

Hail Size

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Did you know that a 3-inch hailstone can fall to the ground as fast as 107 mph? The largest hailstone on record in the US measured 7.9 inches! Find shelter, stay indoors, and stay away from windows. weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm #SpringSafety

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Severe thunderstorms can produce damaging hail! weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm #SpringSafety
Hail Size

 

Disaster Supply Kit

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It is very important to have a disaster supply kit ready when severe weather strikes. Pack food and water, a battery powered radio, flashlights and batteries, a cell phone with a spare battery pack, a first aid kit, a pair of shoes, a list of emergency contacts, and a whistle to signal for help. weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm #SpringSafety

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It’s important to have a disaster supply kit ready in case of thunderstorms.  weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm #SpringSafety
Disaster Supply Kit

 

Thunderstorm Watch vs. Warning

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A severe thunderstorm WATCH means BE PREPARED. A severe thunderstorm WARNING means TAKE ACTION. If there is a severe thunderstorm watch, stay informed and be ready to act, because severe thunderstorms are possible. If there is a severe thunderstorm warning, take shelter in a strong building, and get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. Severe weather is occurring or will shortly. weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm-ww #SpringSafety

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Watch means BE PREPARED. Warning means TAKE ACTION. weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm-ww #SpringSafety

Lightning Infographic

 

Understanding Severe Weather Outlooks

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Do you know your risk for severe weather? See the severe weather outlooks issued by the Storm Prediction Center @NWSSPC http://www.spc.noaa.gov #SpringSafety

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Know your risk for severe weather? See the Storm Prediction Center @NWSSPC http://www.spc.noaa.gov #SpringSafety

Understanding Severe Weather Outlooks

 

What are the Hazards of Severe Weather?

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Tornadoes, large hail, strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning are all hazards associated with severe weather.  Severe weather has been reported in all 50 states, so no matter where you are, make sure you are prepared! weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm #SpringSafety

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Severe weather can occur anywhere. Wherever you are, be prepared! weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm #SpringSafety
What are the Hazards of Severe Weather?