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Emergency Management

Be Aware

Common Emergencies in Central Virginia

Thunderstorms and Lightning

Thunderstorms (no label): No severe thunderstorms expected, winds to 40 mph, small hail. Marginal Risk: Isolated severe storms are possible, limited in duration or intensity. Winds up to 60 mph, hail up to one inch, low tornado risk. Slight Risk: Scattered severe storms possible, short-lived, some isolated intense storms possible. One or two tornadoes, wind damage potential, hail. Enhanced Risk: Numerous severe storms possible. Potential for wind and hail damage and a few tornadoes. Moderate Risk: Widespread severe storms likely, long-lived, widespread and intense. Strong tornadoes, widespread wind damage and destructive hail. High Risk: Widespread severe storms expected, long-lived, widespread and “particularly intense.” Tornado outbreak.
Thunderstorms (no label): No severe thunderstorms expected, winds to 40 mph, small hail. Marginal Risk: Isolated severe storms are possible, limited in duration or intensity. Winds up to 60 mph, hail up to one inch, low tornado risk. Slight Risk: Scattered severe storms possible, short-lived, some isolated intense storms possible. One or two tornadoes, wind damage potential, hail. Enhanced Risk: Numerous severe storms possible. Potential for wind and hail damage and a few tornadoes. Moderate Risk: Widespread severe storms likely, long-lived, widespread and intense. Strong tornadoes, widespread wind damage and destructive hail. High Risk: Widespread severe storms expected, long-lived, widespread and “particularly intense.” Tornado outbreak.

ABOVE: SAFETY TIPS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.

Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that include lightning and can:

  • Include powerful winds over 50 MPH
  • Create hail
  • Cause flash flooding and tornadoes

If you are under a thunderstorm warning, find safe shelter right away

lightning-1c
  • When thunder roars, go indoors!
  • Move from outdoors into a building or car.
  • Pay attention to alerts and warnings.
  • Unplug appliances.
  • Do not use landline phones.

Download the guide

Learn more about how to prepare for and stay safe during thunderstorms and lighting at ready.gov