A hurricane warning lightning warning is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when there is a threat of lightning within a hurricane’s circulation. This warning is typically issued when a hurricane is within 250 miles of a given location and when there is a high probability of lightning occurring within the next six hours. The NWS issues these warnings to alert the public of the potential danger from lightning and to encourage people to take precautions to stay safe.
Lightning is a common occurrence in hurricanes, and it can be very dangerous. In fact, lightning is one of the leading causes of death and injury during hurricanes. According to the NWS, there were an average of 47 lightning-related deaths in the United States each year between 2006 and 2015. Many of these deaths occurred during hurricanes.
Lightning can strike anywhere within a hurricane’s circulation, but it is most common in the eyewall and rainbands. The eyewall is the area of a hurricane that surrounds the eye, and it is where the winds are strongest. The rainbands are the areas of a hurricane that extend outward from the eyewall and contain heavy rain and thunderstorms. Lightning can also occur in the outer bands of a hurricane, but it is less common.
Hurricane Warning Lightning Warning FAQs
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about hurricane warning lightning warnings.
Question 1: What is a hurricane warning lightning warning?
A hurricane warning lightning warning is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when there is a threat of lightning within a hurricane’s circulation. This warning is typically issued when a hurricane is within 250 miles of a given location and when there is a high probability of lightning occurring within the next six hours.
Question 2: Why are hurricane warning lightning warnings issued?
Hurricane warning lightning warnings are issued to alert the public of the potential danger from lightning and to encourage people to take precautions to stay safe. Lightning is a common occurrence in hurricanes, and it can be very dangerous. In fact, lightning is one of the leading causes of death and injury during hurricanes.
Question 3: What should I do if I am under a hurricane warning lightning warning?
If you are under a hurricane warning lightning warning, you should take the following precautions:
- Stay indoors and away from windows.
- Do not use corded telephones or electronic devices.
- Avoid contact with metal objects.
- If you are outside, seek shelter in a sturdy building or vehicle.
Question 4: How long do hurricane warning lightning warnings last?
Hurricane warning lightning warnings typically last for six hours. However, the NWS may extend the warning if the threat of lightning continues.
Question 5: What is the difference between a hurricane warning and a hurricane watch?
A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected within the next 36 hours. A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.
Question 6: Where can I get more information about hurricane warning lightning warnings?
You can get more information about hurricane warning lightning warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS) website or by calling your local NWS office.
Summary: Hurricane warning lightning warnings are an important tool to help keep people safe during hurricanes. By understanding what these warnings mean and what to do when you are under one, you can help to reduce your risk of being injured or killed by lightning.
Transition to the next article section: Now that you know more about hurricane warning lightning warnings, you can learn more about other hurricane safety tips in the next section.
Hurricane Warning Lightning Warning Tips
If you are under a hurricane warning lightning warning, it is important to take the following tips to stay safe:
Tip 1: Stay indoors and away from windows.Lightning can strike through windows, so it is important to stay away from them during a thunderstorm. If you are inside a building, stay in a room with no windows, such as a bathroom or closet.Tip 2: Do not use corded telephones or electronic devices.Corded telephones and electronic devices can conduct electricity, so it is important to avoid using them during a thunderstorm. If you need to make a phone call, use a cordless phone or a cell phone.Tip 3: Avoid contact with metal objects.Metal objects can conduct electricity, so it is important to avoid contact with them during a thunderstorm. This includes things like metal fences, plumbing, and appliances.Tip 4: If you are outside, seek shelter in a sturdy building or vehicle.If you are outside during a thunderstorm, seek shelter in a sturdy building or vehicle. If you cannot find a building or vehicle, stay away from tall objects, such as trees and power lines.Tip 5: Listen to the radio or television for updates on the storm.It is important to stay informed about the storm’s progress so that you can make the best decisions for your safety. Listen to the radio or television for updates on the storm, and follow the instructions of local officials.Tip 6: Be prepared for power outages.Hurricanes can cause power outages, so it is important to be prepared. Have a battery-powered radio and flashlights on hand, and make sure that you have a plan for how you will cook and eat if the power goes out.Tip 7: Be aware of the dangers of flooding.Hurricanes can also cause flooding, so it is important to be aware of the dangers. Do not drive through flooded areas, and be aware of the risk of flash flooding.Tip 8: If you are in a flood, evacuate to higher ground.If you are in a flood, evacuate to higher ground. Do not wait until it is too late.Summary: By following these tips, you can help to stay safe during a hurricane warning lightning warning.
Transition to the article’s conclusion: Now that you know more about hurricane warning lightning warning tips, you can learn more about other hurricane safety tips in the next section.
Conclusion
Hurricane warning lightning warnings are an important tool to help keep people safe during hurricanes. By understanding what these warnings mean and what to do when you are under one, you can help to reduce your risk of being injured or killed by lightning.
In this article, we have explored the importance of hurricane warning lightning warnings, and we have provided some tips to help you stay safe during a thunderstorm. We encourage you to follow these tips and to stay informed about the latest hurricane forecasts. By working together, we can help to reduce the risk of lightning-related injuries and deaths during hurricanes.