National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Weather-Ready Nation

National Program

Social Media: Thunderstorm Safety

Weather.gov > Weather-Ready Nation > Social Media: Thunderstorm Safety

Back to Social Media

Social Media: Thunderstorm Safety
#WeatherReady

 

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.

Storm Planning Timeline

Facebook
Don’t wait until the day of the storm to begin protecting yourself. If the forecast calls for severe weather, begin preparing NOW. Stay Weather-Ready.
weather.gov/safety/tornado

Twitter
Don’t wait until the day of the storm to begin protecting yourself. If the forecast calls for severe weather, begin preparing NOW. Stay #WeatherReady.
weather.gov/safety/tornado

Storm Planning Timeline. If the forecast calls for severe weather in a few days, start preparing now: make sure that you have emergency supplies; know your safe places; have a family communications plan. The day before, forecast accuracy continues to improve: adjust plans; make sure your phone can receive WEAs; ensure your shelter is clean and accessible. The day of, remain vigilant and aware of any active Watches - a Warning may be issued at a moment's notice: remind your family of the communication plan; know how to evacuation and/or get to safety from wherever you are; whenever a Warning is issued, you may only have seconds to take action!

+Alt text

 

Helping Others: Thunderstorms

Facebook
Thunderstorms are sometimes underestimated as a serious weather threat, but they can be deadly. Strong winds can turn tree branches and ordinary loose objects into dangerous projectiles — help your community stay safe by trimming trees and picking up loose items.
Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a storm. Make sure to get everyone inside at the first sign of thunder or lightning, and keep them inside until at least 30 minutes after the last sign of thunder or lightning.
weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm

Twitter
Thunderstorms are sometimes underestimated as a serious weather threat, but they can be deadly. Strong winds can turn ordinary objects into dangerous projectiles, and lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a storm. #WeatherReady
weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm

Helping Others: Thunderstorms. Before storms, help others trim trees and pick up loose items. Get others inside at the first sign of thunder or lightning. Keep everyone inside 30 minutes after the last sign of thunder or lightning.

+Alt text

 

Thunderstorms can escalate quickly

Facebook
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. weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm

Twitter
Thunderstorms and squall lines can quickly turn clear skies dark. Stay #WeatherReady by having a way to get weather alerts on your phone, and stay safe by immediately going inside when the skies turn threatening. weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm

Thunderstorms can escalate quickly. Clear skies can quickly turn dark and ominous, whether due to pop-up thunderstorms or squall lines. Be prepared! Set up a way to get weather warnings on your phone. When alerted to a storm, get inside a sturdy building immediately. Stay away from windows once indoors. If a building isn't nearby, get inside a vehicle.

+Alt text

 

Severe Thunderstorm Watch vs. Warning

Facebook
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.
weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm-ww

Twitter
A Severe Thunderstorm WATCH means Be Prepared.
A Severe Thunderstorm WARNING means Take Action!
weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm-ww #WeatherReady

Thunderstorm Watch: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued when severe storms are possible. Stay tuned to forecast updates and monitor sky conditions. Know where to take shelter. Thunderstorm Warning: A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when a severe storm is happening or imminent. Take shelter immediately! Check for forecast updates.

+Alt text

 

Your Safe Place from Extreme Wind

Facebook
During high winds, tree damage is expected, and loose objects can become airborne and dangerous. You are safest indoors, away from windows, in an interior room. Stay Weather-Ready and learn more about wind safety: weather.gov/safety/wind

Twitter
During high winds, tree damage is expected, and loose objects can become airborne and dangerous. You are safest indoors, away from windows, in an interior room. Stay #WeatherReady and learn more about wind safety: weather.gov/safety/wind

Your safe place from extreme wind: during high winds, tree damage is expected. You are safest indoors, away from windows, in an interior room. Prevent damage to your property by trimming loose branches and parking away from trees.

+Alt text

 

Science of Hail (Video)

Facebook
Chunks of ice that fall from the sky can cause serious damage to people, animals, and property. But what exactly causes hail to form? Watch this video for some hail science! youtu.be/w1g0TToHTIA

Twitter
Chunks of ice that fall from the sky can cause serious damage to people, animals, and property. But what exactly causes hail to form? Watch this video for some hail #science! youtu.be/w1g0TToHTIA

 

Camping Safety

Facebook
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

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

Camping Safety - preparing for weather: Know your weather forecast. Notify family/friends of your plans. Have an evacuation plan, know where and how fast you can find shelter. Pack a safety kit and weather radio.

+Alt text

 

Understanding Severe Weather Outlooks

Facebook
Do you know the risk categories for severe weather? Learn the severe weather outlooks issued by the Storm Prediction Center @NWSSPC spc.noaa.gov

Twitter
Know your risk for severe weather? See the Storm Prediction Center @NWSSPC spc.noaa.gov #WeatherReady

Understanding Severe Weather Outlooks - issued by the Storm Prediction Center. THUNDERSTORMS (no label - winds to 40 mph / small hail): No severe thunderstorms expected. Lightning/flooding threats exist with all thunderstorms. 1-MARGINAL (MRGL - winds 40-60 mph / hail up to 1 inch / low tornado risk): Isolated severe thunderstorms possible. Limited in duration and/or coverage and/or intensity. 2-SLIGHT (SLGT - one or two tornadoes / reports of strong winds, wind damage / hail 1 inch in general, 2 inches isolated): Scattered severe storms possible. Short-lived and/or not widespread, isolated intense storms possible. 3-ENHANCED (ENH - a few tornadoes / several reports of wind damage / damaging hail, 1-2 inches): Numerous severe storms possible. More persistent and/or widespread, a few intense 4-MODERATE (MDT - strong tornadoes / widespread wind damage / destructive hail, 2 inches plus): Widespread severe storms likely. Long-lived, widespread and intense 5-HIGH (HIGH - tornado outbreak / derecho): Widespread severe storms expected. Long-lived, very widespread and particulary intense.

+Alt text

 

What are the Hazards of Severe Weather?

Facebook
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

Twitter
Severe weather can occur anywhere. Wherever you are, be prepared! weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm #WeatherReady

Understanding Severe Weather Hazards: TORNADO - tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that can destroy buildings and cause significant injury or death. ACTION: Take shelter immediately in a sturdy structure. LARGE HAIL - hail can damage vehicles, crops, buildings, and cause injuries. ACTION: Move indoors away from windows. STRONG WIND - strong wind can knock over trees and damage buildings. ACTION: Move indoors away from windows. HEAVY RAIN - Heavy rain can cause flash flooding. ACTION: Avoid rising creeks and water-covered roads. LIGHTNING - Lightning strikes can cause significant injury or death. ACTION: Move indoors if you hear thunder.

+Alt text

 

Thunderstorm Types (Video)

Facebook
Did you know there are different types of thunderstorms? Watch this video and learn what they are: youtu.be/NNrb0hI5JD4

Twitter
Did you know there are different types of thunderstorms? Watch this video and learn what they are: youtu.be/NNrb0hI5JD4

 

Dry Thunderstorms Can Cause Wildfires

Facebook
"Dry thunderstorms" are thunderstorms that produce little or no precipitation at the surface. In combination with dry fuels (i.e. vegetation), dry thunderstorms can ignite fires with lightning but won’t provide much rain to put the fires out. Therefore, dry thunderstorms are a factor in fire weather forecasts. weather.gov/abq/clifeature2010drythunderstorms

Twitter
"Dry thunderstorms" (which produce little or no precipitation at the surface), when combined with dry vegetation, can ignite wildfires. weather.gov/abq/clifeature2010drythunderstorms
Please remember to stay #WeatherReady!

Dry thunderstorms can cause wildfires. They are storms with little to no rain at the surface. Their interaction with dry vegetation or fuel can cause wildfires. Stay weather-ready

+Alt text

 

How Does Hail Form?

Facebook
Hail forms when updrafts (or rising air) 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 (typically when the hailstone becomes too heavy for the updraft). The largest hailstone in diameter was 8 inches, which fell in Vivian, South Dakota on July 23, 2010. noaa.gov/jetstream/hail

Twitter
Hail is precipitation that forms when thunderstorm updrafts (or rising air) carry raindrops upward into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere, where the raindrops freeze into hailstones. Big updrafts result in big hail. noaa.gov/jetstream/hail #WeatherReady

How Does Hail Form? Updrafts carry water drops to very cold air. This allows the raindrop to freeze. The stronger the updraft, the bigger the hailstone can become.

+Alt text

 

Thunderstorms for Mariners

Facebook
Thunderstorms can be a mariner's worst nightmare. They can develop quickly and can produce strong wind, pounding rain, deadly lightning, and damaging hail with very few 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, thunderstorms may be 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

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

Get to safety if the weather looks threatening. Thunderstorms pose a hazard to mariners. They bring dangerous wind and lightning. Head to land at the first sign of a storm.

+Alt text

 

On the Lake

Facebook
Heading out for a day of fun on the lake? Pay attention to thunderstorm development! 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

Twitter
Heading out for a day of fun on the lake? Be mindful of developing thunderstorms! weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm #WeatherReady

Weather safety on the lake: Know the forecast before heading out. Have a portable weather radio or an AM/FM radio in the boat. If skies turn threatening, head to shore.

+Alt text

 

Spending Time Outdoors

Facebook
Spending time outdoors? Be on the lookout for thunderstorms! Keep up with the latest NWS 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

Twitter
Spending time outdoors? Keep a look out for thunderstorms! weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm #WeatherReady

Spending time outdoors? Be aware of the forecast before you head out. Known how you will receive a warning if one is issued. Know where the nearest shelter is located. When action needs to be taken, don't wait!

+Alt text

 

Heavy Rain and Flooding

Facebook
Thunderstorms can produce heavy rain, which may 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

Twitter
Thunderstorms can lead to flooding. Never drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm #WeatherReady

Thunderstorms can produce heavy rain. Don't drive through moving or standing water. It only takes 6 inches of flowing water to sweep you off your feet. If you can't see the road, turn around - don't drive around barricades!

+Alt text

 

Hail Size

Facebook
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 8 inches in diameter! Find shelter, stay indoors, and stay away from windows when severe weather strikes. weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm

Twitter
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 8 inches in diameter! Find shelter, stay indoors, and stay away from windows when severe weather strikes. weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm
Hail Size Chart - while the National Weather Service encourages the actual measurements of hail size, oftentimes, an object-to-size conversion can provide important information about hail that fall from thunderstorms. Below you will find a list of common objects used to describe the diameter of observed hail. Pea: 0.25 inches. Penny: 0.75 inches. Quarter: 1.00 inches. Ping pong ball: 1.50 inches. Gold ball: 1.75 inches. Lime: 2.00 inches. Tennis Ball: 2.50 inches. Baseball: 2.75 inches. Softball: 4:00 inches. Grapefruit: 4.50 inches. weather.gov

+Alt text

 

Disaster Supply Kit

Facebook
It is extremely important to have a disaster supply kit ready before severe weather strikes. Pack food and water, a battery-powered radio, flashlights and batteries, a cell phone with a spare battery pack (or a portable charger/power bank), a first aid kit, a pair of shoes/socks, a list of emergency contacts, and a whistle (to signal for help). weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm

Twitter
It is important to have a disaster supply kit ready in case of thunderstorms. weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm #WeatherReady
Disaster Supply Kit: Food and water. Battery powered weather radio. Flashlights and batteries. Cell phone (with charger or spare battery pack. First aid kit. Pair of shoes. List of emergency contacts. Whistle to signal for help.)

+Alt text