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Fact Sheet: Thunderstorms and Lightning Some thunderstorms can be seen approaching, while others hit without warning. It is important to learn and recognize the danger signs and to plan ahead. BEFORE Learn the thunderstorm danger signs.
Have disaster supplies on hand
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ANNUAL LIGHTNING SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK The Providence Emergency Management Agency & Office of Homeland Security is proud to join the National Weather Service in educating all Americans on the hazards of lightning as part of the 2005 Lightning Safety Awareness Week (June 19-25). Cloud-to-ground lightning occurs 25,000,000 times per year. A single bolt of lightning can extend nearly five miles in length and has a width of 1 to 2 inches. Lightning bolts generate 100,000,000 volts of electrical current and can reach a temperature of 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. On average, 67 Americans are killed each year due to lightning strikes and another 600-700 are left with debilitating health effects after being struck. “Preparation is the best Response.” To learn more about lightning safety, please visit: National Lightning Safety Institute |
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Severe Thunderstorm Watches and Warnings A severe thunderstorm watch is issued by the National Weather Service when the weather conditions are such that a severe thunderstorm (damaging winds 58 miles per hour or more, or hail three-fourths of an inch in diameter or greater) is likely to develop. This is the time to locate a safe place in the home and tell family members to watch the sky and listen to the radio or television for more information. A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. At this point, the danger is very serious and everyone should go to a safe place, turn on a battery-operated radio or television, and wait for the "all clear" by the authorities. Learn how to respond to a tornado and flash flood. Tornadoes are spawned by thunderstorms and flash flooding can occur with thunderstorms. When a "severe thunderstorm warning" is issued, review what actions to take under a "tornado warning" or a "flash flood warning."
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