Severe thunderstorm watches and warnings in effect right now, and what to do
No active severe thunderstorm alerts in our cache right now. A severe thunderstorm has winds of 58 mph or higher, hail 1 inch across or larger, or both. A watch means they are possible. A warning means they are happening or about to.
What to do
General steps from official sources.
Get ready
Now
The NWS says high winds can blow objects around and pose a significant threat to your safety.
Source: NWS: High wind
Ride it out
During
The NWS notes that winds sustained at 40 to 50 mph can cause isolated wind damage. Follow your local NWS office for instructions.
Source: NWS: High windLightning kills about 20 people in the U.S. each year. See the NWS lightning safety page for what to do and how long to wait.
Source: NWS: Lightning Full guide →The NWS says high winds can blow objects around and pose a significant threat to your safety. Check your local NWS office for instructions.
Source: NWS: High wind
Recover
After, once it is safe
Stay clear of fallen power lines and report them to the electric company.
Source: CDC: Returning Home After a Natural DisasterNever use a generator inside your home or garage, even with doors and windows open. Run it only outdoors, more than 20 feet from windows, doors and vents.
Source: CDC: Carbon monoxide
What the severe thunderstorm alerts mean
A severe thunderstorm has winds of 58 mph or higher, hail 1 inch across or larger, or both. A watch means they are possible. A warning means they are happening or about to.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Issued when severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur, only that they are possible.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Issued when severe thunderstorms are occurring or imminent in the warning area. The NWS uses three tiers: base, considerable and destructive.
Alert thresholds are set by each National Weather Service office, so the numbers can differ where you live. The text of the alert for your location is what applies. Source: NWS Baltimore/Washington: Watch/Warning/Advisory Definitions. For the full comparison across alert types, see watch vs warning vs advisory.
Key steps from our guides
Each point links to the official page it comes from.
- When thunder roars, go indoors. Move from outdoors into a building or a car with a roof. Ready.gov: Thunderstorms & Lightning
- Avoid using electronic devices connected to an electrical outlet, and avoid running water. Ready.gov: Thunderstorms & Lightning
- Do not drive through flooded roadways. Six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot can sweep a vehicle away. Ready.gov: Thunderstorms & Lightning
- Afterward, watch for fallen power lines and trees and report them immediately. Ready.gov: Thunderstorms & Lightning
- It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters. Turn around, don't drown. NWS: Turn Around Don't Drown
- Never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road. The road may have collapsed under the water. NWS: Turn Around Don't Drown
- Evacuate immediately when water starts to rise, and get to higher ground if you are in a flood-prone or low-lying area. NWS: During a flood
- If you are trapped by moving water, get to the highest possible point and call 911 if you can. NWS: During a flood
Severe thunderstorm alerts by state
Open a state to see its current warnings, watches and advisories.
Common questions about severe thunderstorm alerts
What is a severe thunderstorm watch?
Issued when severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur, only that they are possible.
What is a severe thunderstorm warning?
Issued when severe thunderstorms are occurring or imminent in the warning area. The NWS uses three tiers: base, considerable and destructive.
Alert data comes from the National Weather Service and is refreshed every 15 minutes.