Thunder storms in Worcester, MA

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

Photo from https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hurricanes/archives/2006/hurricane_lightning.html

With springtime finally among us, so are the rain and thunderstorms that come with it! Although thunderstorms are kind of rare in New England, they do still happen! Springtime temps as we know can range to very chilly one moment and the next it could be 60°! 

Thunderstorms need 

• Moisture
• Unstable air
• And lift 

Moisture is needed to form clouds and the rain, unstable air is needed to be warm-ish and rapidly rising. And “lift” can form from sea breezes or mountains! https://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-thunderstorms.htm

Lift- https://study.com/academy/lesson/air-lift-definition-processes.html 

You might not think a thunderstorm is dangerous, but they in fact, are very dangerous! Each and every thunderstorm produces lightning. Lightning is one of the most dangerous killers there is!

Thankfully, in 2020 so far, there have been no lightning related fatalities in the US! https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-fatalities 

What causes thunder and lightning?

Thunder is the sound of lightning traveling from the cloud to the ground.

“When a lightning bolt travels from the cloud to the ground, it actually opens up a little hole in the air, called a channel. Once the light is gone the air collapses back in and creates a sound wave that we hear as thunder”  As we know, light travels faster than sound, so the sound of thunder always comes after the lightning strikes! 

How can you tell how far away the storm is??

Count the number of seconds in between when you see the lightning strike and hear the thunder. Take the number of seconds and divide it by 5, that’ll get you how far away the storm is in miles!!

Did you know: lightning is hotter than the surface of the sun?! It can reach up to 50,000°F! 

Be prepared! 

Since spring weather is so unpredictable, it’s important for you to have some type of kit prepared in advance. Planning ahead makes it easier for you and your family in case of an emergency.

Your storm preparedness kit should include:

• Battery operated flash light
• Battery operated radio
• Emergency evacuation plan 
• Should include a map of your home, with exits and safety routes 
• A list of 
• Important contact numbers
• Insurance information 
• Medical information 
• First aid supplies including:
• Assorted adhesive bandages
• Antibiotic ointment
• Gloves
• Scissors
• Asprin or another type of pain management 
• Tweezers 
• 3-5 day supply of bottled or jugs of water
• Canned goods 
• Blankets 

It is important for you and your family to be prepared for whatever could happen! 

Should you need storm damage restoration, call SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County at (508) 234-3399, we're here to help!!