... Safety rules for severe thunderstorms - for media to broadcast...
a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued by the National Weather
Service for portions of southeast Illinois and southwest Indiana.
The following safety tips are being provided in hope that the
broadcast media will frequently broadcast these messages while the
watch affects their area.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for the
development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
If you are in the watch area... keep up to date of the latest weather
information. These storms can develop rapidly so there may be
occasions when advance warning is not possible.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means a severe thunderstorm has been
observed or indicated by radar. If you are in the path or near the
storm... take immediate actions to protect life and property. Follow
these safety rules:
1) in open country... you should seek shelter and avoid trees which
can be targets for lightning. If there is no shelter... go to a ditch
or culvert but beware of rising water which can cause flooding.
2) when indoors... stay away from outside walls and windows and go to
an interior room on the lowest level. Avoid using electrical
appliances while the storm is nearby.
3) in Mobile homes... you should leave and seek nearby safe shelter.
4) if swimming or on a boat... you should get to shore as quickly as
possible and find shelter.
A thunderstorm is considered severe when it contains 3/4 inch or
larger diameter size hail and/or wind gusts of 58 miles an hour or
greater. A severe thunderstorm also produces deadly lightning and
very heavy rain which can lead to flash flooding.
Remember... with any severe thunderstorm there is always the
possibility of tornadoes.
