The spring season often brings unpredictable and severe weather to Charles County. Sometimes extreme weather changes can occur even within the same day. Thunderstorms can come up suddenly, and can present a variety of hazards, including: lightning, wind, heavy rains, and hail. A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces hail at least one inch in diameter or has wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour. High winds can blow down trees and utility poles, causing widespread power outages.
                                                               
Although a severe thunderstorm can without much warning, you can take some safety precautions to plan ahead. To prepare for severe thunderstorms:

  • Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage. Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
  • Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
  • Listen to local news or a weather radio for emergency updates. Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes, or increasing wind. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning. If thunder roars, go indoors!
  • If a storm is approaching, get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible).
  • If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT safe.
  • If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends.
  • Keep away from windows.
  • Avoid electrical equipment and corded telephones. Cordless phones, cell phones and other wireless handheld devices are safe to use.


Severe Thunderstorm Watches vs. Warnings
The National Weather Service uses the words “watch” and “warning” to alert you to potentially dangerous weather. Knowing the different between the two types of alerts is important.

  • Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be prepared! Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the counties in the watch area. When a watch is issued, you should stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued.
  • Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action! Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings mean indicate imminent danger to life and property. Take shelter in a substantial building. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds.