It is important to begin preparing for a major storm before it strikes. To start preparing you should have an emergency kit, which includes food, water and basic items you may need in your household. If you are outdoors when a thunderstorm strikes, remember the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule, if you see lightning and hear thunder within 30 seconds of each other, go indoors! Lightning usually strikes when it is raining heavily, but lightning can strike before it's raining.

Be sure that you are informed of the dangers by listening to NOAA Weather Radio and the local emergency management officals. Make a family emergency plan, and have an emergency kit. Thunderstorms come in all shapes and sizes, heavy rains may cause flash flooding, as well as high winds, hail and even tornadoes. 

For more information about thunderstorms, lightning and tornadoes visit www.ready.gov  .