The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes. Nearly 1,800 thunderstorms are occurring at any moment around the world. Despite their small size, all thunderstorms are dangerous.
Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes.
Heavy rain from thunderstorms can lead to flash flooding. Strong winds, hail, and tornadoes are also dangers associated with some thunderstorms. Of the estimated 100,000 thunderstorms that occur each year in the United States, only about 10 percent are classified as severe. Most flash flood deaths occur at night and when people become trapped in automobiles. Lightning Occurs with ALL thunderstorms.