DECATUR – (DeKalb County Gov't) Thunderstorms affect relatively small areas when compared with hurricanes and winter storms. Despite their small size, all thunderstorms are dangerous because they can produce strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, hail and flash flooding. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes.

“Straight line winds can reach speeds in excess of 100 mph and produce damage similar to a tornado,” said DeKalb County Public Safety Director William Miller.

The biggest threat from severe thunderstorms is damaging straight line winds and large hail. These winds occur, on average, 19 days per year in Georgia.