Strong winds and tornadoes are also dangers associated with some thunderstorms. Along the Gulf Coast, most thunderstorms occur during the afternoon. Lightning causes an average of 93 deaths and 300 injuries annually and causes several hundred million dollars in damage. Florida leads the nation in the number of lightning death and injuries. Most flash flood deaths occur when people become trapped in their automobiles.
Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms.
Winds can exceed 200 mph. Tornadoes result in an average of 80 deaths and 1,500 injuries each year. Straight line winds are responsible for most thunderstorm wind damage. A small area of rapidly descending air beneath a thunderstorm can cause damaging winds in excess of 100 mph. The action of rising and descending air within a thunderstorm separates positive and negative charges.