Delaware County, Indiana

Discover Delaware County - an east central Indiana community of opportunity

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms are very prevalent during the summer months in Indiana. They can produce large hail, flash floods, heavy rain, lightning, strong winds, and tornadoes. Thunderstorms can last only a few minutes, but have the strength and power to cause a great amount of damage.

Things to Know

Thunderstorm Watches:
Conditions are favorable for thunderstorm to appear.

Thunderstorm Warnings:
A thunderstorm is occurring or about to occur in your area.

Before a Thunderstorm

  • Keep trees trimmed to avoid falling onto your house, cars, or even yourself.
  • If hail or strong winds are reported park your vehicle under a shelter, if possible, to avoid hail and debris damage.

During a Thunderstorm

  • If a thunderstorm is coming postpone or cancel outdoor activity.
  • Do NOT go near tall trees or any other tall objects.
  • Seek shelter inside a building or in a hardtop vehicle, but don't touch any of the metal inside.
  • Do NOT use the telephone.  Stay away from other electronic devices, bare metal, and water.
  • Do NOT go near downed powerlines.
  • Keep your eye on the sky as well listen to weather reports on the radio or TV.
  • If caught out in the middle of a large body of water, return to shore as soon as possible. Get off the water immediately.
  • If caught out in middle of an open field: If walking with others stay a minimum of 10 feet apart; Also, keep low and move quickly to seek shelter. If there is no shelter lay in a ditch or get to the lowest place around.

For more information on family preparedness, please visit American Red Cross.