Severe Weather: Understanding Thunderstorms and Hail

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms, potent meteorological events, are characterized by intense electrical discharges known as lightning and accompanying thunder. They arise from towering clouds called cumulonimbus, which can reach heights of up to 60,000 feet.

Thunderstorms occur when warm, moist air rises rapidly within a cumulonimbus cloud. This rising air cools and condenses, releasing heat energy that further fuels the storm's updrafts. As the updrafts intensify, they draw in more moisture and lift it higher into the cloud.

Within the cloud, tiny ice crystals collide and merge to form larger hailstones. These hailstones can grow to significant sizes, sometimes exceeding two inches in diameter. When the hailstones become too heavy for the updrafts to support, they fall from the cloud as hail.

Hail

Hail forms when raindrops within a thunderstorm are repeatedly lifted and cooled by strong updrafts. As the raindrops rise, they freeze into ice pellets. These ice pellets then fall back into the warmer layers of the cloud, where they collect additional layers of ice.

The process of rising and falling within the cloud can repeat multiple times, causing the hailstones to grow in size. The larger the hailstones become, the more difficult it is for the updrafts to keep them suspended. Eventually, the hailstones become too heavy and fall to the ground.

Hail can cause significant damage to property and crops. It can also pose a hazard to people, particularly if they are caught outdoors during a hailstorm. To stay safe during a hailstorm, it is important to seek shelter in a sturdy building and avoid open areas.

Thunderstorm Safety

Thunderstorms can produce dangerous conditions, including lightning, hail, and heavy rain. To stay safe during a thunderstorm, it is important to follow these guidelines:

• Seek shelter in a sturdy building.
• Avoid open areas and tall structures.
• Do not touch metal objects or electrical appliances.
• Unplug electronic devices.
• If you are caught outdoors, crouch down in a low spot and make yourself as small a target as possible.

By following these safety guidelines, you can reduce your risk of injury or harm during a thunderstorm.