On this fourth day of Severe Weather Awareness and Safety Week we focus on Severe Thunderstorms.

Dallas County Emergency Management Coordinator Barry Halling says thunderstorms often involve several different threats including lighting, hail and strong winds.

A thunderstorm is considered severe when it produces or is capable of producing winds of at least 58 miles per hour and/or hail of at least one inch in diameter.

Halling says though people tend to fear tornadoes the most, thunderstorms can actually be just as dangerous.

“Seventy mile and eighty mile an hour winds can blow trash cans and garbage cans, anything that happens to be loose.  Trampolines can become airborne objects and if you happen to be standing outside when that takes place it could be unfortunate for you” says Halling.

When severe thunderstorms hit the best thing you can do is take cover immediately.  Sturdy shelters such as buildings, a car if necessary or as low as possible to the ground outside are your best bet.

Anytime there is a severe weather warning in Dallas, Greene or Guthrie County, the Raccoon Valley Radio network will activate our Severe Weather Action Team coverage to bring you up to the minute weather information first, fast and accurately.