When someone receives a severe thunderstorm warning that has just been issued for their area, their first instinct might be a jolt of panic. So what does that actually mean? And what should they do?
First, let’s get one thing straight: a thunderstorm watch is just a heads-up that conditions are ripe for a bad storm. A warning, though? That means a severe storm is already happening or is about to be on top of you. So this is your guide for what to do when that warning hits, with some critical stuff to keep you and your family safe.
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Best weather alert apps to stay informed during a thunderstorm warning
In a storm, knowing what’s going on is everything. You absolutely need a good weather app, although a lot of them will not help you at all.
Issues with ads and slow updates are common. You need an app that’s fast, accurate, and just gives you the facts without the fluff.
To make your life easier and ensure you’re always one step ahead, we’ve gathered three of the best thunderstorm warning alert apps. Each one offers unique features that can make a difference when the weather turns nasty.
MyRadar: track the storm like a pro
MyRadar (iOS/Android) puts a professional-grade animated radar right on your screen, allowing you to literally watch the storm cells spinning, see the pockets of red and yellow, while tracking where it’s all headed in real-time.
4.8/5
AccuWeather: stay ahead with hyperlocal forecasts
AccuWeather (iOS/Android) is for when you want to know what’s happening on your actual street. The app has a feature called MinuteCast that’s incredible! For example, it tries to predict when the rain starts locally.
4.6/5
NOAA Alerts: get official warnings straight from the source
There are many apps that tap into NOAA data, but going straight to the source is never a bad idea. NOAA is the official government source itself. When they issue a thunderstorm warning, it’s real.
Safety steps to take when the warning hits
That thunderstorm warning hits your phone. What now? The first step is to get inside a real building. Not a shed, not a carport. A sturdy structure. Then get to an inner room, as far away from windows as you can.
Also, you need to know the 30-30 rule. It’s simple. You see lightning, you start counting. If you hear thunder before you get to 30, the storm is practically on top of you.
After the storm passes, wait a full 30 minutes after that last rumble before you think about going outside.
And stop what you’re doing! No showers. No washing dishes. Don’t use anything that’s plugged into the wall because lightning will travel through pipes and wires. It’s not a myth, it’s a real danger.
How to prepare your home and car for storms
If you have a few minutes before it hits, get outside and prep. Anything the wind can pick up is now a missile, like patio chairs, your kid’s toys, your grill. Tie them down or drag them inside fast.
What about inside? Unplug everything important. One good power surge from a nearby lightning strike can destroy them.
Don’t risk it! This is also your last chance to make sure your phone and power banks are topped off.
And if you’re driving, do not try to cross a flooded road ever. You have no idea if it’s six inches or six feet deep. It only takes a little bit of water to pick up your car and sweep it away.
What to do after the storm passes
Just because the rain stopped and the thunder faded, it doesn’t mean it’s safe. Not until the officials say so.
The biggest dangers are the quiet ones, like the downed power lines that look harmless or flooded areas that look shallow.
When you do go out, be careful. Check your property for damage. Look for broken glass, dangling tree limbs, anything that looks unstable. Assume everything is a hazard. If you see a power line on the ground, don’t even get close.
Once you know your own place is secure, go check on your neighbors. Think about your neighbors. Is there anyone elderly or living alone who might need a hand?
A quick knock on the door can make a huge difference. This is when a community really shows up.
Severe thunderstorm warning: what to do right now? – Conclusion
So, a thunderstorm warning isn’t just noise. It’s a signal to stop everything and focus on being safe. It doesn’t mean you need to panic.
Panic is what happens when you’re caught off guard, when you don’t have a plan. Preparedness is knowing what to do. It’s knowing that a watch is different from a warning. It’s about having a plan.
Before the next alert, get a good weather app. Figure out your shelter plan and make sure your family is on the same page. A plan that only one person knows is a bad plan. A little bit of prep work now saves you from so much panic later.
Related: Hurricane Alert Apps: Stay Safe During Storm Season
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