Last Updated: March 16, 2026
Spring storms can bring a variety of severe weather hazards including tornadoes, thunderstorms with lightning and flooding. Local Health District offers tips to keep you safe during severe weather events.
Tornadoes can form with little or no warning and bring winds more than 200 miles per hour.
If you are indoors:
- Go to a basement or storm shelter.
- If you do not have a basement, choose an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor, away from windows.
- Do not stay in a mobile home.
- Remain sheltered until you are sure the storm has passed.
If you are outdoors:
- Seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately.
- If driving, go to the nearest safe structure if possible.
- If no shelter is available, lie in a low area away from trees and objects that could become airborne.
- Do not shelter under bridges or overpasses.
Thunderstorms can form quickly, bringing strong winds and dangerous lightning. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles from a storm.
To stay safe:
- Trim trees and secure loose outdoor items before storms.
- Go indoors at the first sign of thunder or lightning, and bring pets inside.
- Stay away from windows.
- Avoid using electronics or anything plugged into an outlet.
- Stay out of showers and away from plumbing.
- Remain indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder.
If you cannot get indoors, avoid water, tall trees, and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. If someone is struck by lightning, call 911 immediately.
Floods are the most common disaster in the United States. Floodwater can contain debris, chemicals, and other hazards.
Key safety reminders:
- Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
- Six inches of moving water can knock you down; one foot can sweep away a vehicle.
- Avoid bridges over fastmoving water.
Severe Weather Awareness Week is an opportunity for you to review safety plans, refresh emergency kits, and learn how to stay informed before storms strike. Severe weather can develop quickly. Taking simple steps now can help protect you and your family.
- Have a plan. Talk with your family about where to go and what to do if severe weather occurs. Make sure everyone knows the safest places in your home and how to communicate during an emergency. You can create a family emergency plan online.
- Build an emergency kit. A disaster supplies kit includes the basic items your household may need if you must shelter in place for several days. This may include water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents. Guidance on what to include and where to store your kit is available at ready.gov.
- Stay informed. Reliable alerts save lives. Use a weather radio, the FEMA app, or local alert systems to receive timely warnings. Check the settings on your mobile device to ensure you can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). Make sure you understand the difference between watches and warnings so you know when to take action.