Thunderstorms affect relatively small areas when compared with
Hurricanes and Winter Storms. Despite their small size, all
thunderstorms are dangerous. Every thunderstorm produces
lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes.
Heavy rain from thunderstorms can lead to flash flooding. Strong
winds, hail, and tornadoes are also dangers associated with some
Thunderstorms. Of the estimated 100,000 thunderstorms that occur
each year in the United States, only about 10 percent are
classified as severe. Watches and Warnings Conditions are right
for severe thunderstorms to form. When your area is under a
Severe Thunderstorm Watch A Severe Thunderstorm has been spotted
by a trained observer or detected on radar. Take action
immediately. A storm is classified severe if it produces hail at
least¾- inch in diameter, wind 58 mph or higher, or tornadoes.
Thunderstorm Safety Tips If You Are Outdoors: FirstAlert Severe
Weather Alerts can be seen on NewsChannel 11 and Heard on KLLL,
KMMX & KONE