This week is severe weather week in Georgia. Today, Monday Feb. 2 – Friday Feb. 6.

Today’s focus is Day 1 (Feb. 2): Thunderstorm Safety. Thunderstorms can produce dangerous conditions in a short amount of time, including damaging straight-line winds, large hail, torrential rain, and frequent lightning. Even storms that don’t appear severe at first can quickly intensify, so having a plan and staying weather-aware is key.

Make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings, including Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone and NOAA Weather Radio, and keep an eye on trusted weather information when storms are expected. If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued, move indoors immediately and stay away from windows. The biggest threat in many thunderstorms is wind, which can bring down trees and power lines and turn outdoor items into projectiles, so secure patio furniture, trash cans, and anything else that could blow around before storms arrive.

If hail is possible, bring vehicles under cover if you can and stay away from skylights and windows. If you’re outside and hear thunder, go indoors right away—lightning can strike miles away from a storm. Once you are inside, avoid using corded electronics and stay away from plumbing until the storm has passed. If you’re driving, slow down in heavy rain, watch for water pooling on roads, and never try to cross a flooded roadway.

Severe Weather Preparedness Week continues through Friday with a different safety topic each day, helping families, schools, and businesses across Georgia review plans and be ready for quickly changing conditions.