Online Services | Commonwealth Sites | Help | Governor

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Home  > Threats  > Thunderstorms

? iconHow can we make this site better?
Let us know ...


Threats & Emergencies  

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorm BasicsResponding to Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms can occur any time of day year round, but are most common in the summer afternoons and evenings. The National Weather Service considers a thunderstorm severe if it produces hail at least three-quarters of an inch in diameter, has winds of 58 miles per hour or higher or produces a tornado. All thunderstorms produce lightning, which can be deadly. Virginia averages 35 to 45 thunderstorm days per year.

threats icon Threats & Emergencies
Related Info