Thunderstorms! Take Warning!

Introduction

So you have seen a lot of thunderstorms, and you think there's nothing to them. Big Deal. Well, think again. What you know about thunderstorms just might save your life or limbs. Follow the links and learn all you can about one of the most common but dangerous storms nature has in store for us.

Questions

1. Name the three things that thunderstorms need to form. When during the year are thunderstorms the most likely to occur? What time of the day?

2. What are the four basic types of thunderstorms?

3. Scroll down and click on Single Cell storms. List the characteristics of the single cell storm. Click the back button.

4. Click on Multicell Cluster storms. Describe this type of thunderstorm. Click the back button.

5. Click on Multicell Line storms. Describe these storms by their characteristics in the chart. What is a squall line? Click the back button.

6. Click on the Supercells. Why are these the most dangerous storms?

7. What is the least common kind of thunderstorm? 

8. Are some kinds of thunderstorms more predictable than others?

9. What are the most common types of thunderstorms? Click the back button.

10. Click on the Lots about Thunderstorms from USA Today link then click on the What Thunderstorms are link. Roll your mouse over the three numbers in the graphic. Which components of a thunderstorm are described? Click the back button.

11. Scroll down. Click on the Derechoes are Lines link. What is the most dangerous part of these types of thunderstorms? Where do they usually occur?

12. Click on the Thunderstorms and Lightning link from the Weather Channel. Describe a cumulonimbus cloud. (Use the glossary) Click the back button.

13. Under Severe Thunderstorms, go to Lightning. Click on the Microbursts link. What is a wind shear? Click the back button.

14. Click on Thunderstorm Watches and Warnings. What is the basic difference between a thunderstorm watch and a thunderstorm warning?

Internet Resources

• Basic Thunderstorm Information
• Types of Thunderstorms
• Lots about thunderstorms from USA Today
• Thunderstorms and lightning from The Weather Channel
• Watches and Warnings
• Weather.com Encyclopedia-from the Weather Channel

The Big Picture

Which are the kinds of thunderstorms you have seen most often? Describe a personal experience with a thunderstorm. What can you look for to help tell how dangerous a thunderstorm is going to be? Describe the things to do if you are at a baseball game or a picnic and see one of these storms coming. Remember you are the thunderstorm expert in the group, and it is up to you to get everyone to safety.