A novice weather observer may conclude that storms are entirely seasonal. But according to weather experts, storms are not beholden to one time of the year, even if there are peak times when certain types of storms are most likely to strike. For example, thunderstorms are a hallmark of a hot and balmy summer, but they’re not exclusive to this time of year. Thunderstorms can occur any time, even when it’s cold outside. For example, storms known as thundersnow are thunderstorms in which snow falls as the primary precipitation instead of rain.

Although every season can have notable storms, storms often occur in every season, underscoring the need for year-round preparedness. The National Weather Service notes that the peak severe weather events occur during the spring, followed by the fall for some areas. For certain storms, like tornadoes, the season spans two meteorological seasons: spring and summer. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration says the peak tornado season for the southern plains begins in May and extends into early June. On the Gulf Coast, it is earlier in the spring. In the northern Plains and upper Midwest, tornado season is in June or July. Again, tornadoes can happen any time of the year and anywhere across the country.

The NOAA indicates the official hurricane season for the Atlantic basin runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. But again, tropical cyclone activity can occur before and after these dates. Flooding can occur at any time, but the peak time for flash floods in the United States is generally from late spring through summer, according to The Weather Channel.