I love a good storm with loud thunder and bright lightning.

Monsoon Thunderstorms Roll Through Nevada
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As a kid, I would look for the lightning and then count one one thousand, two one thousand, three one thousand until I heard the thunder from the lightning strike.

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Credit: canva
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I was told that was how you can tell how far away a storm is. After looking into this it turns out I was close. Here is how to count according to the National Weather Service.

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If you count the number of seconds between the flash of lightning and the sound of thunder and then divide by 5, you'll get the distance in miles to the lightning.

Credit: Canva
Credit: Canva
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For example, 5 seconds = 1 mile, 15 seconds = 3 miles, and 0 seconds = very close.

Severe Weather On Its Way? Here's What To Expect Across Michigan

Credit: US National Weather Service Grand Rapids Michigan via Facebook
Credit: US National Weather Service Grand Rapids Michigan via Facebook
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According to the National Weather Service, on Wednesday there is a great concern for severe weather, with all storm hazards possible including rain, hail, flooding, damaging winds, and tornadoes.

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Credit: Canva
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Several rounds of storms may occur into early Wed evening, but confidence is low regarding the timing/coverage of these storms. No matter what happens, you should have multiple ways to be in the know about approaching severe weather.

Credit: US National Weather Service Grand Rapids Michigan via Facebook
Credit: US National Weather Service Grand Rapids Michigan via Facebook
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What Should You Do In Severe Weather?

Credit: caseen kyle registos via unsplash
Credit: caseen kyle registos via unsplash
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The National Weather Service says this is what you should do when severe weather strikes.

driftlessstudio/ThinkStock/GettyStock
driftlessstudio/ThinkStock/GettyStock
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  • At Your House: Go to your secure location if you hear a severe thunderstorm warning. Damaging wind or large hail may be approaching. Take your pets with you if time allows.
Ben-Schonewille
Ben-Schonewille
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  • At Your Workplace or School: Stay away from windows if you are in a severe thunderstorm warning and damaging wind or large hail is approaching. Do not go to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
Credit: austin rich via unsplash
Credit: austin rich via unsplash
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  • Outside: Go inside a sturdy building immediately if severe thunderstorms are approaching. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Taking shelter under a tree can be deadly. The tree may fall on you. Standing under a tree also puts you at a greater risk of getting struck by lightning.
Credit: mick haupt via unsplash
Credit: mick haupt via unsplash
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  • In a Vehicle: Being in a vehicle during severe thunderstorms is safer than being outside; however, drive to the closest secure shelter if there is sufficient time.

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

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