Thunderstorms are harmful due to a variety of severe weather phenomena they produce.
Direct Damage from Thunderstorm Phenomena
Thunderstorms can cause significant harm through several direct mechanisms:
- Downbursts: The powerful downdrafts associated with thunderstorms, known as downbursts, can create intense, localized winds. According to the reference, "a downburst can easily overturn a mobile home, tear roofs off houses and topple trees." This highlights the destructive force of these winds.
- Hail: Severe thunderstorms often produce large hail. The reference notes that "severe thunderstorms can produce hail the size of a quarter (1 inch) or larger." This size hail can cause "significant damage to cars, roofs, and can break windows." Even more concerning, "Softball-size hail can fall at speeds faster than 100 mph," leading to potentially catastrophic damage and injury.
Summary Table of Thunderstorm Hazards
| Hazard | Description | Potential Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Downbursts | Strong, localized downdrafts of wind. | Overturned mobile homes, torn roofs, uprooted trees. |
| Quarter-size Hail | Hail measuring 1 inch in diameter or larger. | Significant damage to cars, roofs, and broken windows. |
| Softball-size Hail | Hail larger than a softball, falling at high speeds. | Catastrophic damage to property and potential for serious injury. |
It is important to remember that these are only some of the hazards associated with thunderstorms. Other dangers include flooding, lightning, and tornadoes.
