Thunderstorms

While thunder won't hurt you - lightning will! So it's important to pay attention when you hear thunder. Lightning can strike people and buildings and is very dangerous.

Nearly 1,800 thunderstorms are happening at any moment around the world. Despite their small size, all thunderstorms are dangerous. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills many people every year. Heavy rain from thunderstorms can lead to flash flooding. Strong winds and hail are also dangers associated with some thunderstorms. Thunderstorms can occur year-round and at all hours of the day or night.

Thunderstorms need three things:

• Moisture - to form clouds and rain.
• Unstable Air - relatively warm air that can rise rapidly.
• Lift - fronts, sea breezes and mountains are capable of lifting air to help form thunderstorms.

You can estimate how many miles away a storm is by counting the number of seconds between the flash of lightning and the clap of thunder. Divide the number of seconds by five to get the distance in miles. The lightning is seen before the thunder is heard because light travels faster than sound. (Of course, get safe shelter first, before you take the time to count the seconds!)

Get some thunderstorms tips, click here.