 | hendersonville business & community directory |
|
A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces hail at least 1 inch in diameter or has wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. Heavy rain from thunderstorms can cause flash flooding and high winds can damage homes and blow down trees and utility poles, causing widespread power outages. Did you know that flash flooding as a result of thunderstorms is the #1 cause of thunderstorm-related deaths? Watch vs. Warning - Know the Difference! Severe Thunderstorm Watch-Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. Severe Thunderstorm Warning-Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Every year people are killed or seriously injured by severe thunderstorms despite advance warning. While some did not hear the warning, others heard the warning and did not pay attention to it. The information in this section, combined with timely watches and warnings about severe weather, may help save lives. Tips for when a storm approaches: Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles. Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. (Leaving electric lights on, however, does not increase the chances of your home being struck by lightning.) Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose. Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job! Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home. (Images provided by Wikipedia.)
Looking for more happenings in the area? Check out Hendersonville.com's comprehensive visitor center.
|
