How powerful are thunderstorms?

Strong (up to more than 120 mph) straight-line winds associated with thunderstorms knock down trees, power lines and mobile homes. Tornadoes (with winds up to about 300 mph) can destroy all but the best-built man-made structures. Where are severe thunderstorms most common? read more

Powerful storms such as thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes are generated when warm, light air rises quickly into higher, colder levels in an unstable updraft that can reach over 100 miles per hour. read more

An unusual combination of very strong wind shear and strong instability may lead to a powerful round of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Something called an Elevated Mixed Layer (or EML) is expected to be overhead Tuesday afternoon and that tends to raise the stakes for severe weather - including large hail, damaging winds, and even tornadoes. read more

These storms can produce large hail and powerful tornadoes. Thunderstorms are relatively uncommon along much of the West Coast of the United States, but they occur with greater frequency in the inland areas, particularly the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys of California. read more