Severe Thunderstorm Safety: Wind, Hail and What 'Severe' Means

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Every thunderstorm produces lightning. For lightning rules, such as when to go indoors and how long to wait, see our lightning safety guide. This page covers what makes a storm severe.

What "severe" means

The National Weather Service calls a thunderstorm severe when it produces at least one of:

• Hail 1 inch in diameter or larger
• Wind gusts of 58 mph or stronger
• A tornado

Damaging wind

Most thunderstorm wind damage comes from straight-line winds, not tornadoes. They can down trees and power lines. On radar, a bow echo is a classic sign.

During a Severe Thunderstorm Warning

• Go indoors to a sturdy building and stay away from windows.
• Bring in or secure loose outdoor items before the storm if you can.
• Don't drive through flooded roads (Turn Around, Don't Drown).
• If the warning also mentions a possible tornado, follow your tornado shelter plan.

Related guides

Sources

• NWS: Thunderstorm safety
• NOAA SPC: Severe weather FAQ
• Ready.gov: Thunderstorms & lightning

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Last reviewed November 2026. General information only; follow official guidance in an emergency.