Hi there! 👋 I'm Emily, a midwestern mom of two, and like most American families, we’ve had our fair share of weather scares. Living in Ohio, thunderstorms aren’t just part of the forecast — they’re part of life. Last summer, we had a severe thunderstorm warning pop up just before bedtime, and believe me, the adrenaline is real. 😰
If you’ve ever seen that alert pop up on your phone and thought, “What now?” — you’re not alone. So, let me walk you through what a severe thunderstorm warning actually means, how I handle it, and how you can stay safe too.
What Is a Severe Thunderstorm Warning?
Let’s start simple. A severe thunderstorm warning is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when:
Wind speeds are 58 mph or stronger
Hail is 1 inch in diameter or more
There’s frequent lightning or heavy rain
Or there's potential for tornadoes
Basically, this means a dangerous storm is either happening right now or heading straight for your area — so it’s not the time to scroll or snooze. Act fast.
Watch vs. Warning (Yes, There’s a Big Difference)
I used to confuse the two all the time, but here’s a mom-approved breakdown:
Watch
Conditions are favorable for a storm. Stay alert.
Warning
A storm is happening now. Take action immediately.
I tell my kids, “Watch means we might get wet. Warning means go to the basement.”
How Will You Know There’s a Warning?
If you’re anything like me, your phone is never more than an arm’s reach away. Here’s how I get alerts:
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
Weather apps like The Weather Channel or AccuWeather
Local TV stations
NOAA Weather Radio
Don’t turn off those alerts. They’re annoying sometimes, but they can save your life.
My Personal “Storm Kit” Checklist
Here’s what we keep handy — it’s saved us more than once:
✅ Flashlights (with fresh batteries)
✅ Power banks for our phones
✅ Bottled water
✅ Granola bars & snacks
✅ First-aid kit
✅ Battery-powered radio
✅ Pet leashes & carriers
✅ Extra blankets and dry clothes
And yes, a small toy or coloring book helps keep little ones calm during power outages!
What I Do When a Warning Hits
As soon as the warning goes off, we follow our little family drill:
We go to our safe space — in our case, it’s the basement.
We unplug electronics (except for phones and emergency lighting).
We stay away from windows. Flying debris is no joke.
We stay calm. Thunder can be loud, but panic makes it worse.
I always try to make it less scary for the kids — sometimes we tell stories or play games until the storm passes.
What If You’re Driving?
If you’re caught in a storm while driving:
Pull over safely, preferably in a parking lot.
Avoid parking under trees or power lines.
Stay in the car — it’s safer than being outside.
Turn on your hazard lights and wait it out.
Never — and I mean NEVER — try to drive through flooded roads. Even just a few inches of water can sweep a car away.
After the Storm: My Post-Storm Checklist
Once the warning expires and it's safe, here’s what I check:
Any damage to the roof or windows
Broken tree limbs or power lines
If neighbors need help
Whether it's safe to turn electronics back on
We wait for the all-clear from local authorities before heading out.
States Most Affected by Severe Thunderstorms
As an American woman living in the Midwest, let me just say — we get a LOT of storms. But these states often face the worst:
Texas
Oklahoma
Missouri
Illinois
Alabama
Florida
Whether you live in the South, Midwest, or even Northeast, always be weather-aware.
Real Talk: Why You Should Take This Seriously
In 2024, a friend of mine ignored a warning in Kentucky thinking it was “just another summer storm.” Within minutes, her backyard tree collapsed onto her shed, barely missing the house.
Warnings aren’t suggestions — they’re red flags waving in your face. Take them seriously.
Teach Your Kids What to Do
Make safety fun and not scary. We did a mini “storm safety game” with our kids:
Flashlight races to the basement
Emergency kit scavenger hunt
Practice calling 911 from an unplugged phone
Prepared kids = calmer parents.
Final Thoughts (From One Woman to Another)
Look, I get it — we’re busy. Between school drop-offs, work, dinner, and life, weather alerts might feel like “just another thing.” But here’s what I’ve learned:
🌧️ It only takes one storm to change everything.
So when your phone says “Severe Thunderstorm Warning,” don’t brush it off. Pause. Prepare. Protect your people.
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