INDIANAPOLIS — It's Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana, which means this is a good time to revisit your plans for when a storm hits.
Here's what you should know about thunderstorms, a common type of severe weather event.
Every thunderstorm produces lightning. So, all thunderstorms are dangerous.
The average, garden-variety, thunderstorm typically lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. They produce gusty winds, heavy rain and sometimes small hail.
Of all the thunderstorms that develop this spring and summer, only about 10% will become severe. Severe thunderstorms produce wind gusts of 58 mph and/or 1-inch diameter hail, which is the size of a quarter. Destructive thunderstorms can produce wind gusts of 80 mph and baseball size hail.
Supercell thunderstorms get special attention during severe weather coverage. They are the most likely to produce all forms of severe weather. The supercell is the monster truck of severe storms.
What makes this storm unique is the warm, moist, rotating updraft feeding the storm, which is separate from the heavy rain and cold downdraft of the storm. The storm is “balanced” and can go on for hours.
You can get alerts for approaching severe weather with WRTV's Storm Shield app. It’s free and serves as a weather radio for your phone.
-
Indiana lawmakers prepare for special session to redraw congressional maps
Lawmakers are preparing to return to the Statehouse for a special legislative session called by Governor Braun to redraw congressional maps, despite questions about whether there are enough votes.
Food banks encourage 211 calls as government shutdown delays SNAP benefits
Indiana SNAP recipients face delays in November benefits due to the federal government shutdown. Food pantries are preparing for increased demand and urging families to call 211 for assistance.
Indiana special session may force hurried, expensive changes for county clerks
In just a week, lawmakers will be back at the statehouse for a special session, and the price tag for that session — as well as the burden it could place on local clerks’ offices — could be steep.
Indy teachers receive free mental health counseling through Colts partnership
Teachers at schools around Indianapolis are getting new mental health support through a partnership aimed at preventing educator burnout.
