2018 City of Jacksonville, Hurricane Preparedness Guide (Thunderstorms & Lightning)

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Duval County/City of Jacksonville 2018 Hurricane Preparedness

Thunderstorms can develop any time of the year in Duval County, but are most frequent in late spring through early fall (before and after summertime). On average, Florida has 1.45 million lightning strikes per year, as ALL thunderstorms produce lightning.

During a thunderstorm, you should take the following precautions:

• Go inside or seek shelter immediately

• Avoid objects that conduct electricity

• Get as far away from water as possible

• Avoid high ground and open areas

Thunderstorm Risk Categories:

1 - MARGINAL (MRGL) Isolated severe storms possible Limited in duration and/or coverage and/or intensity

• Winds 40-60 mph

• Hail up to 1”

• Low tornado risk

2 - SLIGHT (SLGT) Scattered severe storms possible Short-lived and/ or not widespread, isolated intense storms possible

• One or two tornadoes

• Reports of strong winds/wind damage

• Hail ~1”, isolated 2”

3 - ENHANCED (ENH) Numerous severe storms possible More persistent and/or widespread, a few intense

• A few tornadoes

• Several reports of wind damage

• Damaging hail, 1-2”

4 - MODERATE (MDT) Widespread severe storms likely Long-lived, widespread and intense

• Strong tornadoes

• Widespread wind damage

• Destructive hail, 2”+

5 - HIGH (HIGH) Widespread severe storms expected Long-lived, very widespread and particularly intense

• Tornado outbreak

• Derecho (widespread, long-lived wind storms) 

Check out the 2018/2019 City of Jacksonville, Hurricane Preparedness Guide for more information.