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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 />