Severe Weather On Its Way? Here’s What To Expect Across Michigan
I love a good storm with loud thunder and bright lightning.
As a kid, I would look for the lightning and then count one one thousand, two one thousand, three one thousand until I heard the thunder from the lightning strike.
I was told that was how you can tell how far away a storm is. After looking into this it turns out I was close. Here is how to count according to the National Weather Service.
If you count the number of seconds between the flash of lightning and the sound of thunder and then divide by 5, you'll get the distance in miles to the lightning.
For example, 5 seconds = 1 mile, 15 seconds = 3 miles, and 0 seconds = very close.
Severe Weather On Its Way? Here's What To Expect Across Michigan
According to the National Weather Service, on Wednesday there is a great concern for severe weather, with all storm hazards possible including rain, hail, flooding, damaging winds, and tornadoes.
Several rounds of storms may occur into early Wed evening, but confidence is low regarding the timing/coverage of these storms. No matter what happens, you should have multiple ways to be in the know about approaching severe weather.
What Should You Do In Severe Weather?
The National Weather Service says this is what you should do when severe weather strikes.
- At Your House: Go to your secure location if you hear a severe thunderstorm warning. Damaging wind or large hail may be approaching. Take your pets with you if time allows.
- At Your Workplace or School: Stay away from windows if you are in a severe thunderstorm warning and damaging wind or large hail is approaching. Do not go to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
- Outside: Go inside a sturdy building immediately if severe thunderstorms are approaching. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Taking shelter under a tree can be deadly. The tree may fall on you. Standing under a tree also puts you at a greater risk of getting struck by lightning.
- In a Vehicle: Being in a vehicle during severe thunderstorms is safer than being outside; however, drive to the closest secure shelter if there is sufficient time.
