What is a thunderstorm warning?
Thunderstorms can bring lightning, heavy rain, gusty winds and hail, but warning systems do not use identical names or thresholds. In the United States, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning addresses a storm with qualifying wind or hail threats that has been reported or indicated by radar. Elsewhere, consult the local service’s definition and the full warning text.
Thunderstorm watch vs warning
In the US, a severe thunderstorm watch means conditions support possible severe thunderstorms in or near the watch area: prepare to act. A warning means a qualifying storm is occurring or imminent in the warned area: take the protective action advised. A warning may be issued without an earlier watch. Do not wait for both messages.
Is there a thunderstorm warning near me?
Use your national weather service or local emergency authority for current alerts. On Thunderstorm.ws, the Official warnings directory links to those services. Search your actual location and check the latest issue time. A search-engine snippet, old screenshot or this guide’s publication date cannot tell you whether a warning is active now.
Read the location, timing and hazard together
Check whether your address or planned route is in the affected area. Read the start and end times, including the time zone, and look for any updated or replacement warning. Then identify the stated hazards and instructions. A county name in a headline may be less precise than the warning’s mapped area; read both before deciding it does not concern you.
What to do when you receive the warning
Follow the official shelter instructions promptly. For nearby lightning, go into a substantial building; an enclosed hard-topped vehicle is an alternative when no suitable building is available. Bring an outdoor activity to a stop and help children reach shelter. Do not delay by filming the sky or trying to finish a match.
What should I avoid once indoors?
Keep away from windows and exterior doors. During nearby lightning, avoid showers, baths, washing dishes and contact with wired electrical equipment. Use a battery-powered phone to follow updates. If you wanted to unplug equipment, that preparation should have happened before the storm, not while lightning is nearby.
Can radar confirm whether I am safe?
No. Rain radar helps show precipitation, while satellite imagery provides a view of clouds. The embedded maps here are not a live official warning feed and do not measure lightning strikes. Check their timestamps and legends, but do not let a pale or empty map override an official warning or thunder you can hear.
When can I go outside again?
Warning expiry and lightning safety are separate checks. Continue following official instructions and wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning outdoors. If you still see lightning, remain sheltered. A new storm or updated warning may require a longer wait; rain stopping alone is not an all-clear.
Sources & further reading
View the references for this guide
Editorial review: 25 September 2026. Map measurements are updated separately by the provider.