The motorists on Wisconsin Highway 2 survived in large part because they remained with their vehicle. Severe Thunderstorms Thunderstorms affect relatively small areas when compared to hurricanes and winter storms. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes. Nearly 1800 thunderstorms are occurring at any moment around the world. Despite their relative 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. Since ALL thunderstorms contain lightning , Lightning safety is critical for everybody affected by thunderstorms. Lightning is so dangerous that it claims an average of 93 lives each year in the United States. Another 300 people are inflicted with injuries each year due to lightning strikes.