How to stay safe during summer thunderstorms

HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. – Summertime is all about spending time outdoors and dealing with the heat, but thunderstorms is also something people have to deal with during this time of year.

Meteorologist Ryan Willis said whenever there is a severe thunderstorm, especially one involving lightning it’s important to stay indoors in a sturdy building. If the storm heightens and involves a tornado, he encourages people to look for shelter in an interior room or basement until the storm passes.

“Especially this time of year, people like to do outdoor activities whether it be sports or out on water ways, that sort of thing. So always be aware of the potential for thunderstorms if you’re doing any of those outdoor type activities and have a place to go,” said Willis.

He added if anyone is in water, they should make sure to go to shore or if anyone is outside, they should make sure there’s a building nearby to wait out the storm.

Thunderstorms are known for causing a lot of damages and it’s important to be safe from them. Willis said damages come in a large range varying from fallen trees and power lines to large wind gusts causing damages to buildings. He added that tornados are the peak of what thunderstorms can bring which causes extreme damages.

Lighting also causes a lot of damages including losing your electricity. The biggest tip is avoid being outside, but it is equally important to be safe inside as well. According to the National Weather Service, make sure to avoid electrical equipment used for direct contact with electricity. Another tip is to stay away from plumbing like sinks, baths and faucets. For more tips on lightning safety visit www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-tips.

According to Willis, a lot of thunderstorms happen around this time of year because there’s a lot of moisture coming from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. He added that the heating of the day also contributes a lot to frequent thunderstorms, especially in the afternoons.

“Maintain awareness during the summer, especially if you’re outdoors and know where to go if a thunderstorm is headed your way,” said Willis

It’s important to know how to be safe during thunderstorms no matter how severe and the meaning of different weather alerts. To find out more information about their difference and how to be prepared visit www.weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm-ww.

Rain or shine, make sure to stay safe this summer.

HHJ News