Thunderstorm Signs To Look For That Might Mean A Storm Is Stronger Than Anticipated

The most important job that a National Weather Service meteorologist has is the issuance of accurate weather warnings. This is to minimize the loss of life and reduce damage to property. Because of that, we take this responsibility very seriously and do our best to not only identify the storm that is severe and forecast its movement, we also forecast what type of severe weather the storm will produce and you get that by the type of warning we issue. This is the most difficult part of the job. Some storms may have a history of large hail. Everything the meteorologist is looking at says large hail is the main problem, then all of a sudden someone sees a tornado. Because of that potential, when we are warning on particularly large storms, many times we put in the warning the statement; "Severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes with little or no advance warning." When you see that, pay particular attention to the storm and be ready to take cover.

There are things that should be indicators to you that the storm is continuing to grow and a tornado is likely. These indicators include:

  1. Large Hail - If your location is under a severe thunderstorm warning and hail the size of golf balls or larger begins falling, get to your tornado shelter. Storms that produce hail of this size can very easily produce a tornado. As a matter of fact, large hail and tornadoes go hand in hand in many storms.
  2. Strong Winds - Sometimes when thunderstorms are producing strong straight line winds, mixed in with these gusts may be a small tornado, what we call a "Gustanado." These are almost impossible to warn for. If you start getting thunderstorm wind gusts that are strong enough to break tree limbs, especially those larger than the size of your wrist, get to a tornado shelter. The winds are strong enough to do structural damage and injure you.
  3. Roaring Sound - Severe thunderstorms many times produce strong gusty winds, hail and heavy rain all at the same time. The heavy rain makes seeing a tornado nearly impossible. However, all tornadoes make a sound. That sound is a "roar", much like a train moving through. If you hear a roar when you are in the vicinity of a severe thunderstorm, get to your tornado shelter immediately. Hearing this may be the difference between life and death.

Severe weather warnings are issued to make people aware that severe weather is occurring or imminent. It's up to you to get yourself and those that you care about to shelter. This severe weather season, when the potential is there for severe weather, make sure you are monitoring radio or television. Also, watch for the storms moving into your area. If you see a tornado, get to shelter. Don't take chances. Also remember if you start getting large hail or high winds, the storm has continued to grow and has the potential of producing a tornado. Get to shelter. Lastly, if you hear a "roaring sound" from the severe thunderstorm, get to shelter as fast as you possible can because a tornado is very close.

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