Here is a late damage report received into the NWS last night…
At 1:10 p.m. CDT, a diseased tree was blown over by thunderstorm winds and fell through a house at Cordova in Walker County. Two people were injured and taken to a hospital. Both were released, although one had a broken collarbone and other injuries.
Winds were estimated to be 45 mph, which is not severe in the official sense.
It shows how much respect that we must give these summertime storms.
Wet microbursts will be a distinct possibility today with any stronger storms, and it is very easy to get winds in the 35-45 mph category. They can blow objects like lawn furniture and trash cans around and bring down small limbs or even weakened trees. Also, stronger storms can produce winds in excess of 60 mph that can cause real damage.
Lightning is also a potential killer with every thunderstorm. If you see signs of a storm forming near you (darkened cloud bases, white clouds rising into the sky, a fresh wind developing) go inside until the storm passes. When you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck. Go inside.
It’s not nice to fool with mother nature…
