Thunderstorms

A thunderstorm is a storm that contains both thunder and lightning. These storms can produce flash flooding, gusty winds, hail, and even tornadoes. The southern part of the United States has the highest number of average annual thunderstorms, especially those states located near the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

Texas typically sees between 30 and 60 thunderstorms a year, depending on the location within the state. Most of the thunderstorm activity is observed during the summer months.

Kentucky Thunderstorms

Source: NOAA

Did You Know?

In April 2016, a 5.25-inch diameter hailstone fell in the NWS Fort Worth forecast area. While it was a local record for the largest hailstone, it does not break the record for the largest hailstone in the entire state of Texas. Moore County and Ward County, both in western TX, have each had hailstones measuring 6 inches.