Thunderstorms

See how warm moist air can build towering electrical storms.

About Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms require moisture, unstable air, and a lifting mechanism. Strong updrafts carry water and ice high into the cloud, while downdrafts bring rain-cooled air back toward the ground.

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Thunderstorm — ThunderstormThunderstorms form when warm moist air rises into an unstable atmosphere.

Tornado — TornadoTornadoes are rapidly rotating columns of air connected to thunderstorms.

Hurricane — HurricaneTropical cyclones are organized rotating storm systems fueled by warm ocean water.

Snowstorm — SnowstormWinter storms can combine snow, wind, cold, and low visibility.

Updrafts

Warm buoyant air rises rapidly inside a developing storm.

Lightning

Lightning is a giant electrical discharge.

Thunder

Thunder is the sound produced when lightning heats air extremely rapidly.

Hail

Strong storms can grow hail in powerful updrafts.

Downdrafts

Rain and evaporative cooling can produce sinking air.

Supercells

Supercells are thunderstorms with persistent rotating updrafts.

Squall Lines

Thunderstorms can organize into long lines.

Safety

A substantial building is the safest place during lightning.

Updrafts

The strongest updrafts can suspend hailstones and support towering clouds.

Lightning

Charge separation inside clouds creates electric fields strong enough to break down the air.

Thunder

The expanding air creates a shock wave that becomes sound.

Hail

Large hail can damage roofs, crops, vehicles, windows, and animals.

Downdrafts

Strong downdrafts may spread damaging winds across the surface.

Supercells

They can produce large hail, destructive wind, flash flooding, and tornadoes.

Squall Lines

These systems can produce widespread damaging straight-line winds.

Safety

Avoid open fields, isolated trees, water, and exposed outdoor areas when thunder is heard.