Severe weather preparedness week continues today with a focus on hail and wind safety.

High winds and large hail are two very damaging components of thunderstorms. While tornadoes get a lot of attention, the National Weather Service says hail and straight-line winds can be just as deadly. Last year, 255 severe thunderstorm warnings were issued in central, south central and southeast Kansas, while there were only 10 confirmed tornadoes. The largest hail reported was softball-sized in Chase and Barton counties. The strongest wind gusts last year were 85 miles per hour measured in Yates Center and Great Bend. The National Weather Service says the best advice is to seek shelter inside a sturdy building when wind and hail threaten.