Articles · Weather
Everything about Severe Storm
8 articles across NWS
Thunderstorms with damaging straight-line winds, lightning, and hail. Derechos and high-wind events can down trees and power lines across a wide area.
Getting Started
What to do right now
High Wind: What to Do Right Now
What to do in damaging straight-line winds, a derecho, or a microburst: get inside away from windows, avoid downed lines, and vehicle guidance. Immediate action during a high wind event.
Lightning: What to Do Right Now
What to do when lightning is nearby: when thunder roars go indoors, there is no safe place outside, and how to help someone who has been struck. Immediate action during a lightning threat.
Severe Storm: What to Do Right Now
What to do when lightning, damaging wind, and hail arrive: get inside a sturdy building, stay off corded phones and plumbing, and how to help someone struck by lightning. Immediate action during a severe thunderstorm.
Preparedness
Preparedness and self-reliance
Best Fuel Stabilizers for Generator Storage (2026)
Best Liquid Paraffin Emergency Candles (2026)
Best Solar Power Banks for Emergency Preparedness (2026)
Family Storm Kit: Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, and Multi-Day Power Events With Children
A family storm kit for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and multi-day power outages with children. Helmets, shelter bedding, weather radio, safe lighting, food kids will eat, and activity supplies tha
Severe Thunderstorm Preparedness
Practical severe thunderstorm preparedness: the 30/30 lightning rule, hail protection, UPS basics, and tree risk, plus what your 72-hour kit already covers.
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