Severe Weather Preparedness Week: Wind & Hail

Two of the more common severe weather events are the topic of severe weather preparedness week. Wind and hail can cause substantial damage and poses a risk to those caught outside.

Severe thunderstorms can produce damaging winds in excess of 60 miles per hour and large hail can be a threat to life and property. Damaging straight-line winds are much more common than tornadoes and can be just as deadly.

Those caught outdoors during a severe thunderstorm are particularly vulnerable. Boaters and campers should be especially alert to the potential of severe storms. High winds associated with severe thunderstorms can strike suddenly. Winds in excess of 60 miles per hour can easily capsize boats and put campers at risk due to falling trees.

Severe weather preparedness week ends tomorrow with a focus on flooding. More information on severe weather and how to prepare can be found at weather.gov.