We often find it hard to differentiate if the phenomena we are experiencing is a thunderstorm or a rainstorm. The confusion is understandable because the experience can be very similar. However, we shall look at some stark differences between the two. 

Firstly, thunderstorms last for a shorter time in comparison to rainstorms. Secondly, the type of damage caused by the two is different. Thunderstorms bring lightning, winds, hail, and sometimes tornadoes which are responsible for the damage. However, rainstorms bring erosion, flooding, landslides, and service disruptions. Lastly, thunderstorms are always accompanied by lightning, but rainstorms may not have lightning. 

For more information, please keep reading. 

Thunderstorms

A thunderstorm is produced by the rapid upward movement of warm and moist air, which cools and condenses into clouds. With the growth of the clouds, the chances of thunder, lightning, rain, and winds increase. The bigger the clouds, the stronger they will be. 

Thunderstorms can be dangerous based on how strong they get and may lead to loss of property and lives. 

Rainstorms

A rainstorm is a weather phenomenon in which precipitation occurs in the form of rain. Rainstorms are characterized by persistent, steady rainfall over some time. The amount of precipitation may vary based on weather patterns; you may experience light drizzle or heavy rain. 

More substantial and more severe rainstorms may be dangerous for the area that they hit. 

Duration

Duration is one factor that sets thunderstorms and rainstorms apart. 

The duration of a thunderstorm can be anywhere between 10 minutes to many hours. The time for which a thunderstorm hits depends on the weather condition, location, moisture in the air, updrafts, and other atmospheric conditions that aid the strength of a thunderstorm. 

Stronger thunderstorms which are known as supercells last for longer periods. 

On the other hand, a rainstorm lasts for a longer period than a thunderstorm does. While the intensity of a rainstorm may decrease over time, the duration, in comparison, stays longer. Due to the longer duration of the rainstorm, its long-term damage to the environment is also greater than that of a thunderstorm. 

Extent Of Damage

There is a significant difference in the type and extent of damage that both thunderstorms and rainstorms may cause. 

Thunderstorm

While the extent of damage that a thunderstorm causes depends on the intensity, duration, location, and infrastructure in the area that it hits, there are some characteristic features of how the damage is caused. If the community where a thunderstorm hit is prepared and has a mitigation plan, much of the damage may be averted with adequate precautions and safety measures. 

Below we will look at some phenomena that thunderstorms bring with them which cause damage. 

Lightning strikes – Lightning can cause severe damage to buildings, trees, and other structures. In areas with a specific topography, lightning may start fires in forests leading to another catastrophe to deal with simultaneously. 

Strong winds – Thunderstorms can produce strong winds that can topple over trees, power lines, billboards, and other large installations. These may cause a significant loss of lives, property, and vehicles. 

Hail – Some thunderstorms come with hail. The hailstones may be small, but if they are large, they may cause damage to houses and cars. 

Tornadoes – Severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes, which can cause significant damage to infrastructure and may lead to a loss of lives if not dealt with early on. 

Rainstorm

Once again, the factors which may impact the extent of damage caused by a rainstorm are the same: duration, intensity, location, and terrain of the area. However, the result of a rainstorm is different. Below we look at some potential issues a rainstorm can bring with it.

Flooding – If the duration of the rainstorm is long along with its intensity, water bodies may be filled up more than their capacity. This could lead to the bank overflowing and flooding nearby areas. 

Moreover, in urban areas with poor drainage and sewage systems, a sudden surge of rainfall can lead to flash floods. These floods can sweep away buildings and people.

Landslides – Heavy rainfall can destabilize soil and rock, leading to landslides and mudslides. These can be particularly dangerous in hilly or mountainous areas. 

Erosion – Intense rainfall can erode soil and cause damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. The erosion of soil causes inconvenience after the disaster is over. Moreover, there are long-term impacts on the microclimate of the soil in urban areas. 

Property damage – Heavy rain and flooding can cause damage to homes, buildings, and vehicles. The roofs of houses may seep, there may be breakage due to moisture, and drainage pipes could break. 

Disruption of services – Power outages and disruptions to transportation, communications, and other services occur as a result of a rainstorm causing a hassle to the people living in the area.

Lightning

Thunderstorms bring with them thunder and lightning. Thunder is the sound produced by the rapid expansion of the air surrounding a lightning bolt. In contrast, lightning is the sudden electrostatic discharge that occurs between charged regions within a cloud or between a cloud and the ground. 

On the other hand, not all rainstorms may be accompanied by lightning. It is rare, but given the right electric charge in the clouds, lightning and thunder may also be present in a rainstorm. 

Do Hurricanes Produce Lightning?

Yes, hurricanes can produce lightning. Thunderstorms are often seen as a component of hurricanes. When hurricanes occur, thunderstorms may occur simultaneously and lead to lightning. Lightning strikes can occur within the hurricane’s eyewall and outer bands. 

The lighting in a hurricane can be more frequent and intense than in an average thunderstorm due to the strong convective forces and moisture content present in a hurricane.

Final Thoughts

There we have it, the differences in two weather phenomena that seem very similar but, in actuality, might not be poles apart but have some subtle differences. Understanding the differences can help us mitigate and prepare for the catastrophe better. 

Being well-equipped and ready is always better than taking action when a storm occurs.