Why worry about Thunderstorms?

Lightning...
- Causes an average of 55-60 fatalities and 400 injuries each year
- Occurs with all thunderstorms
- Costs more than $1 billion in insured losses each year

Tornadoes...
- Cause an average of 60-65 fatalities and 1,500 injuries each year
- Can produce wind speeds in excess of 200 mph
- Can be 1 mile wide and stay on the ground over 50 miles

Straight-line Winds...
- Can exceed 125 mph
- Can cause destruction equal to a tornado
- Are extremely dangerous to aviation

Flash Floods and Floods...
-Are the #1 cause of deaths associated with thunderstorms, more than 90 fatalities each year

Hail...
- Can be larger than a softball (5 inches in diameter)
- Causes more than $1 billion in crop and property damage each year

The National Weather Service considers a thunderstorm severe if it produces hail at least one inch in diameter, winds of 58 mph or stronger, or a tornado.

How far way is the Lightning ?
- Count the number of seconds between the flash of lightning and the sound of the thunder
- Divide this number by 5 to get an estimate of the distance in miles to the lightning strike
- If you are outdoors and hear thunder, you are in a danger of being struck by lightning

What You can do before Severe Weather Strikes
- Develop a plan for you and your family at home, work, school and when outdoors.
- Practice your plan
- Know the risks in the area where you live and work.
- NWS warnings identify locations in the path of the approaching severe weather
- Have a NOAA weather battery operated radio to receive warnings
- Always heed warnings even if warnings issued for your area in the past did not result in severe weather. Don't gamble with your life.
- Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes can and do occur at any location, anytime of year given the right atmospheric conditions

Watches and Warnings
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch - NWS have determined that severe thunderstorms are likely to occur in your area. Watch the sky and stay tuned for NWS warnings.
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning - NWS have determined that a severe thunderstorm is occurring or likely to occur. Warnings indicate that danger to life and property may happen.

 NWS Outlook = Get Ready 
 NWS Watch = Get Set 
 NWS Warning = Stop and Take Action 

East Fallowfield Township

2264 Strasburg Road
East Fallowfield, PA  19320
610-384-7144
610-384-7143 (fax)

LOBBY HOURS:

Monday - Friday

8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Note: The office lobby will be closed to the public on Fridays from Memorial Day through Labor Day

However, visitors can still use the outside drop box or contact us by phone

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