5.16.12 Severe Storms Possible, Stay Informed!

Steve Glazier

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By Steve Glazier - email

Today is the first day of this 2012 spring/summer season where we have the widespread potential for strong to severe thunderstorms. As with many other things, the first time things happen (like big snow storm) it can catch some off guard. That's especially true with scenarios like thunderstorms, which we haven't seen since late last year.

So as a humble reminder I love going through the logistics of what severe thunderstorms are capable of, what the warnings/watches mean, and what to do in case you find yourself caught in a dangerous situation.

Severe Thunderstorms

Severe thunderstorms are capable of producing hail the size of quarters (or larger) and possibly-damaging wind gusts of 58 mph (or higher). That is, by definition, what the National Weather Service classifies as severe. It's not dependant on how much lightning, thunder, and rain a storm is producing. However lightning and heavy rain usually accompany the hail and damaging wind threat.

Watches versus Warnings

If you hear of the term 'Severe Thunderstorm Watch' that means be on standby for the possibility of severe thunderstorms. It doesn't mean we have a storm, confirmed on the ground, producing hail and high winds and it's heading your way. It means an area 'x' wide by 'y' long is at risk for potentially severe weather.

If you hear the term 'Severe Thunderstorm Warning' that is more serious. That means the National Weather Service has found enough evidence of a storm that can produce hail and strong winds, it is on the radar and moving toward select areas. Generally towns will be listed in severe thunderstorm warnings. This is more 'time sensitive' than a watch because depending where you are, a storm could bear down on you within minutes. The watch however, is issued for several hours in advance, where again we have that possibility of storms.

What To Do

So I know when we have 'the chance for thunderstorms' that we must all go on with our lives and can't just sit in side and wait for us to maybe get hit by a storm. But if you find yourself in a particularly dangerous situation, here are some reminder tips on what to do.

When you hear thunder for one of the first times, it's a good idea to head indoors. Lightning can strike surprisingly far away from the center of storms. For every five seconds that the noise of thunder follows a visual lightning strike, it is one mile away. For instance 20 seconds between strike and thunder means it's four miles away.
Keep your eyes to the sky. Storms can roll in fast and weather can change quickly. If you know where storms are coming from, consistently check to see how conditions are.
There's no safe place outside when lightning is striking. Please head indoors. If lightning hits the ground it can travel far distances horizontally. This is especially dangerous this time of year at the golf course, with many people out in the center of the woods.
Head indoors and away from windows. Straight line winds can take down trees easily, while reaching tornadic wind speeds of more than 100 mph. Debris can go through windows in these situations.
Watch for flash flooding. In the May 26/27 severe thunderstorms in the Barre/Montpelier area, severe flash flooding occurred in a very short amount of time. Heavy rain can pond on roadways and overflow drainage systems. Flooding kills most people when they're driving their vehicle and come upon flooded roads.

So while all of this may not happen Wednesday, it's still a great reminder to adhere to the warnings and watches that local meteorologists issue. Smartphones are becoming ever so popular and many of the applications automatically alert you when your area has a dangerous warning in effect. Stay safe and when possible report damage to your local media and/or National Weather Service office.

-Meteorologist Steve Glazier

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