Severe weather season is upon us and now is the time to plan and prepare, and to take the watches/warnings that are issued seriously. It's been a while since we've had severe weather, so here are the most common alerts that are issued when storms threaten:
Severe Thunderstorm Watch:
The Storm Prediction Center monitors the weather 24/7 all across the U.S. Severe Thunderstorm watches are issued up to 6 hours in advance of potential dangerous weather. If atmospheric conditions change rapidly, sometimes severe thunderstorm watches are issued a couple hours in advance. These watches are issued before storms develop. It means conditions are 'favorable' for severe weather to occur. Remain alert!
Severe Thunderstorm Warning:
Severe thunderstorms are either occurring, or are about to occur shortly. Thunderstorms producing wind gusts greater than 58 mph and hail larger than one inch in diameter are possible. Wind speeds that approach 60 mph or greater can do significant damage to homes, as well as uproot trees. Hail stones one inch in diameter, or greater, can cause serious injury to someone if outside and can damage homes, buildings and cars. This is the time to take shelter!
Tornado Watch:
Tornado watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favorable for larger thunderstorms that could possibly produce tornadoes. These, too, are sometimes issued 5 hours in advance of threatening weather, but sometimes as atmospheric conditions change, they're issued a couple hours in advance. Remain alert as the weather could change quickly!
Tornado Warning:
A Tornado Warning is issued when either a tornado has been spotted by a trained weather spotter, or Meteorologists at the National Weather Service have detected rotation within in a thunderstorm on Doppler Radar. Now is the time to act and seek shelter immediately. While the lead time for tornado warnings has increased over the past several years, tornadoes can sometimes develop very quickly. Once a tornado warning is issued for you area, head to the safest place in you home - whether that be the basement or lowest level of your house and away from windows. You want to put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.
Flash Flood Warning:
A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. Usually due to a rapid rise of water on rivers and creeks. Flash flooding can sometimes occur within minutes of very heavy rain producing thunderstorms. But, it's also possible for flash flooding to occur in areas that are not immediately experiencing any rainfall. Take action! Get out of the area and move to higher ground if flash flooding occurs in your area. And most importantly: NEVER DRIVE THROUGH A FLOODED ROADWAY! More deaths occur from flash flooding. Over 50% of flood related deaths are vehicle related (www.floodsafety.com)
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