Once a thunderstorm has been spotted and the storm is imminent in your area, the watch is upgraded to a warning. While these terms may appear elementary, preparing for a thunderstorm requires an understanding and appreciation of the actual threat. Designate someone to monitor local weather conditions, as well as someone who will make the decision to remove participants and spectators from an athletic site or event. Local weather reports should be obtained prior to each practice and event. Avoid using the telephone except in the event of an emergency.
Thunder always accompanies lightning.
This method involves calculating the time between the time lightning is seen and thunder is heard by counting the seconds from the point at which lightning is sighted to the point at which thunder is heard. Divide this number by five to obtain the number of miles away the lightning is actually occurring. It does not have to be raining for lightning to strike. Lightning can strike from as far as 10 miles away from the rain band. If someone can see lightning or hear thunder, they are already at risk and should take shelter immediately.