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Published Tuesday, February 07, 2012 in Local

Severe Weather Week: Thunderstorms can create serious problems

From STAFF REPORTS

news@newnan.com

(Editor's note: This is the second article in a week-long series in conjunction with Severe Weather Awareness Week.)

Compared to hurricanes and major winter storms, thunderstorms affect a much smaller area.

A typical thunderstorm is about 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes.

However, their impact and characteristics -- strong winds, lightning, tornados, hail and flash floods -- can create serious problems.

The biggest threat from severe thunderstorms is damaging straight-line winds and large hail. These winds occur, on average, 19 days each year in Georgia. They occur in every month of the year, but are most common in the spring and summer months, peaking in July.

"Straight line winds can reach speeds excess of 100 mph and produce damage similar to a tornado," says Coweta County Emergency Management Director Jay Jones.

This is Severe Weather Awareness Week and each day The Newnan Times-Herald is running public service announcements on different weather-related topics.

Here is some information from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency on what to do during thunderstorms:

To prepare, do the following:

• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.

• Remember the 30/30 lightning safety rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

What you should do if a thunderstorm is likely in your area:

• Postpone outdoor activities.

• Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer there than outside.

• Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide no protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.

• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.

• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.

• Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.

• Use a corded telephone only for emergencies. Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use.

• Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.

• Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.

Avoid the following:

• Natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.

• Hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on the water.

• Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.

• Anything metal -- tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.

For more information, contact Jones at 770-254-2650 or visit these websites: www.ready.ga.gov , www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/ or www.gema.ga.gov .

Coming Wednesday: Tornado Safety.

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