Storm Watch = Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.

Storm Warning = Severe weather has been reported by spotters or seen on radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a large hail or damaging wind identified by an NWS forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.

If you are unable to immediately seek shelter, crouch down into a ball-like position with your head tucked and hands over your ears and your feet closely together. Do not lie on the ground or stand under or near a tree – this puts you at greater risk of being struck by lightning.

A safe shelter is a fully enclosed shelter that has four walls and a roof; an enclosed vehicle is also considered safe. Shelters that are considered unsafe are open structures – such as porches, gazebos, baseball dugouts, and sports arenas – and open vehicles – such as convertibles, golf carts, and motorcycles.

Yes, it is safe to use a cell phone or cordless phone during a severe thunderstorm if they are not connected to an outlet through a charger.

Wait until authorities have announced it is safe to go outside; multiple rounds of thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rain, lightning, hail or tornadoes are possible during severe weather outbreaks.

A severe thunderstorm is officially defined as a storm that can produce hail that is an inch or larger or wind gusts over 58 mph. Hail this size can damage plants, roofs and vehicles. Wind this strong can break off large branches, knock over trees or cause structural damage to trees, which could ultimately result in property damage.

Yes; lightning victims do not carry an electric charge so you will not be electrocuted by touching someone who has been struck.

If local authorities have deemed it is safe to go outside, it is safe to drive; however, avoid flooded roadways. There may be sharp objects under the water or parts of the road could have collapsed, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

For an auto claim, consider utilizing our Auto Claim Worksheet. For all other claims, consider utilizing our Property Claim Worksheet.