I Would Rather Have a Snowstorm

I dislike thunderstorms, a lot. In fact, they scare me a little. It wasn't that way when I was growing up, I loved when the wind would kick up before a storm, hear the thunder in the distance, and see the darkening clouds approaching. I loved them so much that my Mom would have to yell at me to get inside.

All of that changed in May of 1985, during the worst tornado outbreak in Pennsylvania. I saw areas of devastation I will never forget. Ever since then, I don't take storms lightly and I really pay attention to the weather forecasts, especially if I am on the air and need to pass along information quickly and accurately to you.

Each year, before thunderstorm season really kicks in, I always go over some facts about storms and safety tips. I thought I would share some of them with you.

When severe weather is on the way head indoors, as the National Weather Service says, "When thunder roars, head indoors" Lightning causes an average of 55-60 fatalities and 400 injuries each year. If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you as lightning can strike from up to 10 miles away. Stay off corded phones and computers. Unplug TVs, computers, air conditioners because power surges are not uncommon in a storm and can cause significant damage.

Flash Floods and floods are the #1 cause of deaths associated with thunderstorms, more than 90 fatalities each year. This is why you will often hear me say to not drive your car through water covered roadways, you have no way of knowing how deep the water is or if the roadway has been comprised due to flooding. Water can rise so fast, you could be swept away in your car in minutes.

The National Weather Service has a great pamphlet about severe weather that you can read by clicking here. You can also print it out to put on your fridge or in your glove box, wherever you might need it in an emergency.

The Weather Channel is a great resource for information as well and has some great  videos like these in regards to lightning safety, or driving in severe weather.

Now that you know more about storms and how to protect yourself and your family, here's to a great and safe summer.