Severe Storms Possible During the June 25 Weekend

Overnight and into Saturday morning there is a increasing chance of thunderstorms in Arnold and the St. Louis County.

Large hail and strong winds are more likely in central and southeast Missouri tonight, the National Weather Service stated Friday afternoon on its website.

By Saturday, the NWS forecasts the storms to move north into the Arnold area.

Facts about about lightning, from the Missouri Department of Public Safety:

• About two people die by lightning strikes in Missouri each year.
• In the U.S., 73 percent of lightning deaths and injuries occur in June, July and August.
• Lightning can strike as much as 10 miles away from the rain area of a thunderstorm – the most dangerous part of thunderstorms is being struck by lightning as thunderstorms approach, depart, or are nearby.

Lightning safety tips while outdoors:

• Go quickly inside a completely enclosed building before the storm arrives. Do not go to a carport, open garage, covered patio or open window. A hard topped, all metal vehicle also provides good protection
• If no shelter is available, do not take shelter under a tree. Avoid being the tallest object in the area. If only isolated trees are nearby, go to an open area, crouch down on the balls of your feet, try to pick a distance—from the tree—that is twice tree’s height.
• Get out of the water, off the beach, and out of small boats or canoes. Avoid standing in puddles of water even if wearing rubber boots.
• Do not use metal objects such as golf clubs, metal bats, fishing rods, or metal tools.
• Stop tractor work and heavy construction equipment, especially when pulling metal equipment.

Indoor lightning safety tips:

• Stay there. The best protection from lightning is a house or other substantial building. However, stay away from windows, doors, and metal pipes.
• Do not use electric appliances during the storm. Turn off sensitive equipment such as televisions, VCRs, and computers.
• Telephone use is the leading cause of indoor lightning injuries in the U.S. Do not make a call unless it is an emergency.