Home / Weather / Severe Thunderstorm Safety

Severe Thunderstorm Safety

A severe thunderstorm is several hazards in one: wind, hail, lightning and heavy rain. A farm plan that treats them together is easier to follow than four separate ones.

What makes a thunderstorm severe?

The National Weather Service uses the word severe for storms that produce damaging wind, hail of a certain size, or both. The exact criteria are published by the weather service, so look them up there instead of relying on rumor or memory. What matters on the farm is that severe storms can do damage to buildings, trees, crops and equipment and can injure people caught outdoors.

A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are right for such storms to form. A warning means one is occurring or is about to. Teach everyone on the farm this difference and what each one means for their job.

Write down what each alert means for each job on your farm. A planning sheet with three columns, the alert, the action and the person responsible, removes guesswork and speeds up decisions when a storm is minutes away.

• Watch: conditions are favorable
• Warning: a severe storm is happening or imminent
• Alerts can reach you by radio, phone or siren

How should work change when a watch is issued?

A watch is the time to prepare. Finish or postpone tasks that keep people far from shelter, such as remote field work, tree work and work on tall structures. Check that everyone has a way to receive a warning, and that people working alone have a check-in time.

Secure what can blow or fall: loose lids, panels, tarps, feed bags and tools. Park equipment where it is not under trees or near power lines. Bring animals to the places you have decided in advance.

Fuel, feed and water can be topped off during the watch period, as well as phone and radio batteries. Small preparations pay off if power fails after the storm.

What should happen when a warning is issued?

Everyone takes shelter. Move to a substantial building and stay away from windows, doors and large open spans, such as a machine shed with wide doors. Follow the guidance on the National Weather Service safety pages for the best locations and for what to do in a vehicle.

Do not try to finish the job. Equipment can be repaired or replaced, and people cannot. If someone is hurt, call 911.

Remind workers that a warning applies to the area where they are, not only to where the storm first formed. If you are unsure whether you are in the path, take shelter anyway.

• Stop work at once
• Move people to shelter first, then animals if safe
• Stay inside until the warning ends

What about driving and equipment on roads?

Heavy rain reduces visibility and traction, and wind can push high-profile loads, including grain trailers, hay wagons and livestock trailers. If a warning is issued while you are driving, follow official advice about pulling over safely and avoid parking under trees, utility lines or overpasses where others cannot see you.

Never drive through flooded roads. See the article on flash flood response for details about why and where to get official flood guidance.

How do you protect buildings and animals?

Walk your buildings before storm season. Look for loose roofing, damaged doors, weak latches and trees with dead limbs near structures. Ask a contractor or your insurer what they recommend, because needs vary by building type.

Animals may panic in storms. Calm handling and sturdy fencing matter most. Keep gates repaired and know where your animals will go if fencing fails. Your veterinarian and county extension office can give species-specific tips.

Electric fencing, wells and pumps may fail after a storm, so consider backup water and a plan for hand feeding if power is out for a long time.

What should you check after the storm?

Wait until the storm has clearly passed and officials say it is safe. Then check people first, then buildings and animals. Stay away from downed lines and report them to the utility. Be careful of broken glass, nails and unstable branches, and do not climb on damaged roofs.

Document damage with dated photos, and ask Farmers.gov or your local USDA office what assistance may be available. Keep receipts for emergency repairs.

Ask each worker for feedback after a major storm. What worked, what confused them and what would they change? Update the written plan within a week while memories are fresh.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.