Dangerous thunderstorms are expected to hit Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and several other states on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. "The first round will be Friday afternoon and evening with scattered showers and thunderstorms that have the potential to become severe with threats of damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes. The second round is expected to be a squall line Friday night with severe damaging winds and isolated tornadoes as the primary threats."
As you can see from the maps below, many southern states are forecast to receive thunderstorms:
It's important to mention that strong winds can cause trees to fall during a thunderstorm. Therefore, FEMA (a government agency) recommends trimming any trees or branches that are at risk of falling onto your home. Ideally, the base of any tree should be at least a full-grown tree's height away from your home, which is normally around 40 feet.
According to FEMA, "flying debris or downed trees and power lines can make severe winds a threat to lives, property, and utilities." It's a good idea to document the contents of your home before a thunderstorm via photos or videos, per FEMA. So, if damage occurs to your property during a storm, you'll save a lot of time when filing a claim with your insurance company.
Pay close attention to shifting weather conditions in your neighborhood to protect yourself and your family from damage during a thunderstorm. Since isolated tornadoes are possible this week, you should listen to local radio and television stations for updates. According to the CDC, the following weather conditions may mean that a tornado is approaching:
- A dark or green-colored sky
- A large, dark, low-lying cloud
- Large hail
- A loud roar that sounds like a freight train
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