What to Do in Case of … a Thunderstorm

About Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms can produce strong damaging winds, funnel clouds, tornadoes or waterspouts, large hail, and heavy rainfall amounts that lead to flash or small stream flooding. If thunderstorms are forecast, keep an eye to the sky. If a thunderstorm approaches, seek shelter in a building or vehicle immediately. At home, avoid using electrical appliances, the phone or any plumbing fixtures during the storm. Side flashes from nearby lightning strikes can get into your home or business wiring and plumbing, so you may want to simply unplug those precious home electronics. If caught outdoors, find a low spot away from trees or other tall structures that lightning tends to strike.

“Lightning kills, even in Washington state.” Our state may not get many thunderstorms in comparison with states east of the Rockies, but we do get our share. For instance, we had three straight days of thunderstorms in western Washington, from May 15-17, 2003. A woman was struck and injured by lightning in the Nisqually valley during that event.

Since we do not get many thunderstorms in our area, many people are not aware of what lightning can do, and what precautions can and should be taken during thunderstorms.

Warnings

No warnings or watches are published by the National Weather Service. Stay aware of thunderstorm activity and when Thunder Roars, Go Indoors.

What to do during a thunderstorm:

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! STOP all activities. Seek shelter in a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle. Wait 30 minutes after the storm to resume activities.

Lightning Safety

There is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are in the area. If you hear thunder, you are likely within striking distance of the storm. Just remember, When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! Too many people wait far too long to get to a safe place when thunderstorms approach. Unfortunately, these delayed actions lead to many of the lightning deaths and injuries in the U.S.

The best way to protect yourself from lightning is to avoid the threat. You simply don’t want to be caught outside in a storm. Have a lightning safety plan, and cancel or postpone activities early if thunderstorms are expected. Monitor weather conditions and get to a safe place before the weather becomes threatening. Substantial buildings and hard-topped vehicles are safe options. Rain shelters, small sheds, and open vehicles are not safe.

A safe shelter from lightning is either a substantial building or a enclosed metal vehicle. A safe building is one that is fully enclosed with a roof, walls and floor, and has plumbing or wiring. Examples include a home, school, church, hotel, office building or shopping center. Once inside, stay away from showers, sinks, bath tubs, and electronic equipment such as stoves, radios, corded telephones and computers.

Unsafe buildings include car ports, open garages, covered patios, picnic shelters, beach pavilions, golf shelters, tents of any kinds, baseball dugouts, sheds and greenhouses.

A safe vehicle is any fully enclosed metal-topped vehicle such as a hard-topped car, minivan, bus, truck, etc. While inside a safe vehicle, do not use electronic devices such as radio communications during a thunderstorm. If you drive into a thunderstorm, slow down and use extra caution. If possible, pull off the road into a safe area. Do not leave the vehicle during a thunderstorm.

Unsafe vehicles include golf carts, convertibles, motorcycles, or any open cab vehicle.

More Information

National Weather Service Lightning Safety
Outdoor Lightning Safety
Indoor Lightning Safety
Lightning Myths
Lightning Science