Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms are intense phenomena that also develop suddenly and therefore one must be very cautious.

It is important to find out through official channels about weather forecasts and possible warnings in the area.

Remember: if you see lightning, the thunderstorm may still be far away. But if you hear thunder, the thunderstorm is near you, take cover!

  • If you are outdoors, stay away from watercourses, especially streams, which could see sudden rapids.
  • In urbanised areas, pay attention to subways and rooms in basements or cellars – they are the first ones at risk of flooding.

Remember that in the event of heavy rain and/or hail, visibility may be rapidly reduced.

Thunderbolts are one of the most frightening dangers associated with thunderstorms.

All outdoor locations should be considered at risk, especially mountains, the sea, beaches and outdoor swimming pools. No outdoor place is to be considered safe.

Lightning strikes most easily on tall, pointed targets (trees, poles, pylons, but also human beings!).

Metal does not attract lightning, so it is not dangerous to wear or hold small metal objects (watch, keys, necklaces, earrings, etc.). However, metal is a good conductor of electricity, so stay away from particularly large metal objects (wire mesh or fences, railings, steps or bleachers, cables or ladders, etc.).

Avoid any contact or proximity with water: lightning can also cause serious damage through indirect electrocution, due to the dispersion of the discharge, which is transmitted up to several tens of metres from the point struck.

In indoor locations, the risk of lightning is much lower: however, avoid using landlines and electrical appliances.

Also avoid contact with water at home (do not wash dishes, do not take a shower...).

Do not stand under canopies, balconies, sheds, gazebos and verandas, which are not safe places.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes usually form from large thunderstorms known as supercells, but they can also develop from other types of storms, such as tropical cyclones. When a thunderstorm is fueled by large amounts of warm, moist air, it continues to grow and may begin to rotate. If this rotation starts to descend from the cloud, a tornado is starting to form — at this stage, it is called a funnel cloud. When the funnel touches the ground, it officially becomes a tornado.

Tornadoes are also known by other names, such as whirlwind, twister, or landspout. When they occur over bodies of water like lakes or the sea, they are called waterspouts.

What to do:

  • Stay away from windows and glass panes.
  • Do not take refuge in the attic, as the roof may be torn off by the wind.
  • Stay on the lowest floor of the building.
  • Turn off electricity and gas to prevent short circuits or gas leaks caused by wind damage.
  • Do not shelter behind exterior walls or roadside barriers, as they may collapse under strong winds.
  • Abandon cars or caravans, which can be lifted or overturned by the wind.
  • If no safe shelter is available, lie flat on your back in a low-lying area or depression in the ground.