Severe Weather Preparedness Week: Thunderstorm safety

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - This week is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Georgia.

Each day we will be covering various Severe Weather Topics to better prepare you and your family for any weather situation that may arise this spring.

Tuesday’s topic is “Thunderstorm Safety.” You know the classic saying, “when thunder roars, head indoors.”

It’s true, the safest place to be during any type of storm is inside away from any windows.

If a storm becomes capable of producing wind gusts 58+ mph or hail stones measuring >1″ in size, then, it is considered to be a severe storm. That means it is no longer recommended for anyone to spend time outdoors until the Severe Storm Warning is over or no longer in your area.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is only issued for an area after a storm has either been spotted or if it has been indicated to be strong enough on radar. Whereas if a thunderstorm watch has been issued for an area, that means the atmospheric conditions are becoming more favorable to see a severe storm form within the given time frame.

Watches are basically a “heads up” to keep your eyes out and pay attention before the bad weather starts to move in.

On both the WTOC weather app and NOAA Weather Radios, watches and warnings are normally issued by the county instead of the city. Make sure you know what county you live in.