If you live in San Diego, you may have recently heard about the severe thunderstorm warning that was issued for the area. While thunderstorms may not be as common in San Diego as they are in other parts of the country, it's important to take these warnings seriously. In this article, we'll go over what you need to know about the severe thunderstorm warning in San Diego, including what a severe thunderstorm is, how to stay safe during one, and what to do if you experience damage or power outages.
What is a Severe Thunderstorm?
A severe thunderstorm is a thunderstorm that has the potential to produce damaging winds, large hail, and/or tornadoes. To be classified as severe, a thunderstorm must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Winds gusting to 58 mph or higher
- hail with a minimum diameter of one inch
- A tornado
Severe thunderstorms can develop quickly and with little warning, making it important to be prepared.
What Should You Do During a Severe Thunderstorm?
If you're caught outside during a severe thunderstorm, seek shelter immediately. Avoid tall trees, metal objects, bodies of water, and open fields. If you're in a car, pull over to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights until the storm passes.
If you're indoors during a severe thunderstorm, stay away from windows and doors. Unplug electronic devices and avoid using the phone or taking a bath or shower. If possible, seek shelter in a basement or interior room.
What Should You Do After a Severe Thunderstorm?
Once the severe thunderstorm has passed, it's important to assess any damage and ensure that everyone is safe. Check for downed power lines and trees, and avoid touching any electrical equipment that may be wet. If you experience a power outage, report it to your local utility company and avoid using generators indoors.
What if You Experience Property Damage?
If your property has been damaged during a severe thunderstorm, it's important to document the damage with photos and contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Make any necessary temporary repairs to prevent further damage, but don't make permanent repairs until your insurance company has assessed the damage.
Conclusion
Severe thunderstorms can be dangerous, but by being prepared and knowing what to do, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Remember to seek shelter immediately, stay away from windows and doors, and avoid electrical equipment that may be wet. If you experience property damage, document it with photos and contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
FAQs
- What distinguishes a severe thunderstorm warning from a watch? A severe thunderstorm watch means that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop in the area, while a warning means that a severe thunderstorm has already been detected and is either in the area or headed toward the area.
- How long do severe thunderstorms usually last? Severe thunderstorms can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
- Can lightning strike indoors during a severe thunderstorm? Yes, lightning can strike indoors during a severe thunderstorm. Avoid using electronic devices and taking a bath or shower during a thunderstorm.
- What should I do if I'm driving during a severe thunderstorm? If you're driving during a severe thunderstorm, pull over to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights until the storm passes.
- What should I do if I experience a power outage during a severe thunderstorm? Report the power outage to your local utility company and avoid using generators indoors.
