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Natural Disasters - Thunderstorms


Thunderstorms:

If you are native to Florida, you are familiar with thunderstorms. They present a constant threat in Florida for which all citizens should stay prepared. With thunderstorms, come lightning, wind gusts, and flash flooding. You need to protect yourself and your property against each of these threats.
 

Watch or Warning, what is the difference?
        
Severe thunderstorm watch: 

 

Tells you when and where severe thunderstorms are likely to occur. Watch the sky and stay tuned to radio or television to know when warnings are issued.

Severe thunderstorm warning:
 
 

Issued when weather watchers report severe weather or when it's indicated on radar. A thunderstorm warning indicates imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the  storm.

 

Related Disasters:

Lightning
Flooding
Tornadoes

 

 

Preparedness:
 
bullet The best way to protect  yourself and your  property during a
  thunderstorm is preparedness.
 
bullet

Find  out   if  you  live  in  an  area at  risk  for flash  flooding.

 

Marion County GIS department (http://www.marioncountyfl.org/IS251/GISWEB/gis_home.htm) has an  excellent  mapping  program  that  will  show you your address and  allow you to  see if it is in or near a  flood  zone.
 

bullet Keep all trees (especially those near structures) trimmed  and
  clear debris from the area.
 
bullet Secure  any  outdoor  objects  that  could  become a  missile.
 

Thunderstorms can produce winds well in excess of 60 mph and spawn tornadoes that can turn dead limbs and yard furniture into elements of destruction.
 

bullet Get inside and stay inside.
   
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