Get Ready for Thunderstorms and Lightning

All thunderstorms are dangerous because they can produce strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, hail and flash flooding. Georgia’s greatest threats from severe thunderstorms are damaging straight-line winds and large hail. Straight-line winds can reach speeds in excess of 58 mph and produce damage similar to a tornado. Lightning on average kills one to two people in Georgia each year, and injures an average of 12 people.

BEFORE A THUNDERSTORM
  • Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a thunderstorm hazard, including understanding the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch and a severe thunderstorm warning.
    • A severe thunderstorm watch means there is the potential for severe thunderstorms (damaging winds/large hail) to impact your area within the next 6 hours.
    • A severe thunderstorm warning means a severe thunderstorm is occurring or will likely occur soon. If you are advised to take shelter, do so immediately.
  • Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a thunderstorm.
  • Know your lightning safety rules. For example, if you hear thunder or see lightning, go indoors. Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
  • If thunderstorms are expected in your area, postpone outdoor activities.
  • Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
DURING A THUNDERSTORM
  • If there is a thunderstorm in the area, go quickly inside a home, building, or hard top automobile and listen to a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio or radio for the latest updates.
  • If shelter is not available, go to the lowest area nearby and make yourself the smallest target possible, but do not lie flat on the ground.
  • If on open water, get to land and shelter immediately.
  • Avoid taking a shower or a bath during a thunderstorm. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
  • Do not use electrical items such as computers or television sets as power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.

Things to avoid include:

  • Tall isolated trees in open areas and hilltops, open fields, the beach, pool, boats on the water, isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.
  • Anything metal — tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs and bicycles.
AFTER A THUNDERSTORM
  • Never drive through a flooded roadway. Turn around, don’t drown!
  • Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk.
  • Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately to your local power company.