You may be tempted to ignore thunderstorms because they are extremely common in Georgia and affectrelatively small areas when compared to hurricanes and winter storms. Despite their small size, however, allthunderstorms are dangerous because they can produce strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, hail, and flashflooding. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes.“In Georgia, the greatest threat from severe thunderstorms are straight-line winds, which can exceed speeds of 125mph, producing damage similar to that of a tornado,” said Gwinnett County Office of Emergency Management Director Michael Shaw.

According to the National Weather Service, on average, we can expect 45 to 55 days with thunderstormseach year in Georgia. Approximately 10 percent of all thunderstorms that occur in the U.S. are classified assevere. The biggest threat from severe thunderstorms is damaging straight-line winds and large hail. Theyoccur in every month of the year, but are most common in the spring and summer months, peaking in July.

Here is some information to help you recognize severe weather, develop a plan, and be ready to act whenthreatening weather approaches:

To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:

• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
• Remember the 30/30 lightning safety rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

What you should do if a thunderstorm is likely in your area:

• Postpone outdoor activities.
• Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer there than outside.
• Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide no protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
• Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
• Use a corded telephone only for emergencies. Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use.
• Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers, and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• Use your battery-powered NOAA weather radio for updates from local officials.

Avoid the following:

• Natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area
• Hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on the water
• Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas
• Anything metal–tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles