SWAW Day 4 Topic: Thunderstorms
03/11/2010
Good Morning and Welcome to Day Four of Severe Weather Awareness Week! This morning we will be looking at Severe Thunderstorms. WHAT IS A THUNDERSTORM1/2 A thunderstorm is formed from a combination of moisture, rapidly rising warm air and a force capable of lifting air such as a warm and cold front, a sea breeze or a mountain. All thunderstorms contain lightning. Thunderstorms may occur singly, in clusters or in lines. Thus, it is possible for several thunderstorms to affect one location in the course of a few hours. Some of the most severe weather occurs when a single thunderstorm affects one location for an extended time. DID YOU KNOW... - At any given moment, nearly 1,800 thunderstorms are in progress over the surface of the earth. - On average, the United States gets 100,000 thunderstorms each year. Approximately 1,000 tornadoes develop from these storms. - Large hail results in nearly $1 billion in damage to property and crops. - Straight-line winds exceeding 100 mph are responsible for most thunderstorm damage. HOW FAR AWAY IS THE THUNDERSTORM1/2 Count the number of seconds between a flash of lightning and the next clap of thunder. Divide this number by 5 to determine the distance to the lightning in miles. REMEMBER THE 30/30 Rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder. For more information on Severe Weather Safety or Preparedness contact Douglas County Emergency Management-111 East 11th St., Unit 200 Lawrence, KS 66044-www.douglas-county.com-(785) 832-5259. Follow us on Facebook (www.thefacebook.com/dgcoem) and Twitter (dgcoem).
Related Links:
Douglas County EM Website - http://douglas-county.com/depts/em/em_home.aspx
Day 4 Topic: Thunderstorms - http://www.douglas-county.com/depts/em/preparedness/docs/pdf/severeweatherawareweek_day4.pdf
Media Contact:
Jillian Rodrigue, Assistant Director
Emergency Management Department
785-838-2459
jrodrigue@douglas-county.com