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thunderstorms, which occur in the summer months. Super cell <br /> thunderstorms are responsible for producing the majority of <br /> severe weather, such as large hail and tornadoes (NOAA, <br /> NWS, 2003). Downbursts also are occasionally associated <br /> with severe thunderstorms. A downburst is a strong downdraft <br /> resulting in an outward burst of damaging winds on or near the <br /> ground. Downburst winds can produce damage similar to a <br /> strong tornado. Although usually associated with <br /> thunderstorms, downbursts can occur with showers too weak <br /> to produce thunder (NOAA, NWS, 2003). Strong squall lines <br /> also can produce widespread severe weather, primarily very <br /> strong winds and/or microbursts. <br /> When a severe thunderstorm approaches, the NWS will issue <br /> an advisory. According to NOAA, NWS (1994) two possible <br /> advisories are as follows: <br /> • Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Conditions are favorable for <br /> the development of severe thunderstorms. <br /> • Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Severe weather is <br /> imminent or occurring in the area. <br /> Historic Events. According to the NCDC, there have been a <br /> total of 61 thunderstorm events in Indian River County since <br /> 1953, causing a total of$1.376 million in property damage. On <br /> 13 March 1993, a downburst in Vero Beach damaged eight <br /> homes and three commercial buildings. On 5 April 1995, a <br /> thunderstorm damaged several homes in the Windsor <br /> Subdivision in Wabasso. On 26 June 1995, a thunderstorm <br /> knocked down stadium lighting at Dodgertown in Vero Beach. <br /> In Sebastian, storms in May 1996 and August 2002 damaged <br /> a 20-passenger airplane and 3 moored vessels, respectively. <br /> In January of 1999, a thunderstorm in Vero Beach caused <br /> $5,000 worth of damage to doors at the Vero Beach Regional <br /> Airport. In the past 5 years, the City of Vero Beach has <br /> recorded four severe thunderstorm events; and the Town of <br /> Indian River Shores has recorded three severe thunderstorm <br /> events, one of which reported moderate property damage <br /> (these were reports to NCDC through 11/2014). <br /> NCDC has recorded 57 incidents of hail in Indian River County. <br /> The average accumulation for these events being 1.15 inches. <br /> The City of Vero Beach has recorded ten incidents of hail since <br /> 2004, the Town of Fellsmere, three; and the City of Sebastian, <br /> Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 28 <br />