National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Slight Risk for Excessive Rainfall and Severe Thunderstorms Thursday

Additional rounds of thunderstorms are expected Thursday and Thursday night across Oklahoma and north Texas, with risks for both large hail and flash flooding. Strong winds may accompany any storms from east Texas northeast through the lower Great Lakes. Read More >

The powerful effects of lightning can be seen in the photos below of a residence in Miami County over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.  On average, lightning kills 73 people each year in the United States. Are you familiar with lightning safety rules?

Root damage  Sod exploded from the ground up onto this roof  Lightning superheated the water in the tree, turning it instantly to steam, causing the bark to explode from the tree  Lightning stripped this tree of its bark.  Note the path of the lightning along the roots in the ground  The path of the lightning bolt down the tree