Severe Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms are common occurrences in the Midwest and Central United States. Each year, an estimated 100,000 thunderstorms occur in the United States. Of those, about 10 percent are classified as severe thunderstorms - those that produce hail at least three-quarters of an inch in diameter, have winds of 58 miles per hour or higher, or produce a tornado.
All thunderstorms are dangerous and can be associated with a number of hazards. Heavy rains can lead to flash flooding events – one of the primary causes of death associated with thunderstorms. Lightning, which is produced by every thunderstorm, causes an average of 80 fatalities and 300 injuries each year. Lightning can also start building fires, damage electrical equipment, electrocute humans and livestock, and is the leading cause of farm fires. High winds generated by thunderstorm can cause damage to homes, overturn vehicles, uproot or damage trees, or blow down utility poles causing wide spread power outages. Hail causes billions of dollars in damage to crops and property each year and can injure people or animals left outdoors.
The following resources will help you prepare your family, home and farm, animals and business for severe thunderstorm situations.
Severe Thunderstorms Preparedness Factsheets
 |
• Severe Thunderstorms and Your Family (pdf, 1 page) • More Family Resources |
 |
• Severe Thunderstorms and Your Home (pdf, 1 page) • More Home Resources |
 |
• Severe Thunderstorms and Your Pets (pdf, 1 page) • Severe Thunderstorms and Your Livestock (pdf, 1 page) • More Pet and Livestock Resources |
 |
• Severe Thunderstorms and Your Farm (pdf, 1 page) • More Farm Resources |
 |
• Severe Thunderstorms and Your Crops (pdf, 1 page) • More Crop Resources |
 |
• Severe Thunderstorms and Your Business (pdf, 1 page) • More Business Resources |
Additional Web Resources
Guide explaining floods, with suggestions for preparing for a flood situation.
National Weather Service (NOAA NWS)
A short website with tips on what to do in the event of severe weather.
Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management
Crops and severe thunderstorms, particularly corn yield.
The University of Vermont