Severe Thunderstorm Safety: What to Do Before, During, and After a Storm
Severe thunderstorms are common in the Kansas City region, especially during the spring and summer months. These storms can bring damaging winds, large hail, heavy rain, and even tornadoes. Knowing how to prepare and respond to a thunderstorm can help keep you and your family safe.
Understanding Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and Watches
The National Weather Service (NWS) issues different alerts for thunderstorms:
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop. Stay alert and be ready to take action.
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning: A dangerous thunderstorm is occurring or imminent. Take shelter immediately.
Some severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes with little warning. Always treat a severe thunderstorm warning as a serious threat.
What to Do Before a Thunderstorm
- Stay Informed: Monitor weather conditions using a weather radio, local news, or a reliable weather app. Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) on your phone.
- Secure Outdoor Items: High winds can turn patio furniture, grills, and trampolines into dangerous projectiles. Secure or bring them indoors if a storm is approaching.
- Charge Devices: Power outages are common during storms. Charge phones, flashlights, and portable battery packs in advance.
- Know Your Safe Location: Identify a safe, sturdy place indoors to shelter during severe weather—preferably an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
What to Do During a Thunderstorm
- Seek Shelter Immediately: Move indoors and stay away from windows, doors, and electrical appliances. Avoid using plumbing, as lightning can travel through pipes.
- Avoid Electronics: Unplug sensitive electronics if possible to prevent damage from power surges.
- Stay Off Roads: If you’re driving, pull over safely and remain in your vehicle. Avoid bridges, overpasses, and flooded roadways.
- Watch for Tornadoes: Some severe thunderstorms produce tornadoes. If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter in a basement or interior room.
What to Do After a Thunderstorm
- Wait for the All-Clear: Stay inside until local officials confirm it is safe to go outside. Some storms come in waves.
- Check for Damage: Look for downed power lines, flooding, and structural damage before venturing outside. Do not touch fallen power lines—report them to your utility provider.
- Avoid Flooded Roads: Never drive through standing water. Just six inches of moving water can knock over an adult, and a foot of water can carry away a vehicle.
Kansas City Regional Considerations
The Kansas City metro and surrounding areas are prone to high winds, hail, and flash flooding. Be especially cautious near creeks and rivers, as they can rise rapidly. Many local counties offer emergency alert systems—sign up through your county’s emergency management website for real-time updates.
By staying informed and prepared, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of severe thunderstorms.
