DISASTER PLANNING

THUNDERSTORMS

What Makes a Severe Thunderstorm?

Although every thunderstorm in Florida has the potential to cause death, injury or damage, about 10 % produce dangerous winds or hail that will likely exceed thresholds known to cause significant damage to well-built structures or cause bodily harm. These are known as severe thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms produce hail the size of a dime or larger and/or winds of 58 miles per hour or greater.

What Actions Should You Take To Be Prepared?

1. Build or identify a Safe-Room in your Home

2. Have a NOAA Weather Radio in your home with a tone alert feature. This will allow you to receive warnings issued by your local National Weather Service office.

Where Are Severe Thunderstorms Likely to Occur?

On average, the interior sections of central Florida receive the most thunderstorms with nearly 100 plus days per year. However, thunderstorms are also frequent along coastal areas which average 80 to 90 days per year. Although Florida thunderstorms are generally less than 15 miles in diameter, they can grow vertically to great heights in excess of 10 miles high into the atmosphere. This stacking effect of concentrated moisture can explain why a Florida thunderstorm directly overhead could produce four or more inches of rain in less than an hour while a location a few miles away may see only a trace.