Each year, many people are killed or seriously injured by tornadoes despite advance warning. Some did not hear the warning while others received the warning but did not believe a tornado would actually affect them. The preparedness information given here, combined with timely severe weather watches and warnings, could save your life in the event a tornado threatens your area. After you have received the warning or observed threatening skies, YOU must make the decision to seek shelter before the storm arrives. It could be the most important decision you will ever make.
Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes.
Most lightning casualties occur in the afternoon and the early evening. Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far away as 10 miles from any rainfall. 1,000 Americans are struck by lightning each year with 100 deaths resulting from the high voltage blows. Go to safe shelter immediately. If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.