Warm and rapidly-changing weather patterns make Middle Tennessee ideal for tornadoes and violent thunderstorms.
Dangers associated with thunderstorms can include dangerous lightning, strong winds, hail and flash flooding. While lightning continues to be one of the top three storm related killers in the US, flash flooding is responsible for more fatalities than any other thunderstorm associated hazard.
If thunderstorms are happening in your area, you should:
- Keep informed on the weather; use your battery operated NOAA weather radio for updates
- Avoid contact with corded phones and devices that are plugged in. Unplug computers as power surges from lightning can cause serious damage
- Avoid taking a shower during severe thunderstorms
- Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches
- Avoid being under isolated trees, open fields, hilltops or boats on the water
- Take shelter in a sturdy building
- Use extreme caution while driving
- Remember the 30/30 lightning 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