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The Difference Between Watches and Warnings
Watches - All watches indicate the possibility of severe weather
over a period of usually 4-5 hours and occur over a large selected area
of counties. They mean conditions are favorable for severe weather events
to occur not necessarily meaning they will occur. When watches are issued,
you should stay tuned to a local television or radio station for further
updates and possible warnings.
Warnings - Issued when severe weather is occurring at the moment
and is or was observed. When warnings are issued, that means severe weather
is occurring right now and you should seek shelter right away.
Note: Most information on this page was taken from "Preparedness
Guide" handouts that were created by the U.S.
Department Of Commerce, National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration, and The
National Weather Service.
Severe Weather Safety Rules - What you should do if severe weather
is a threat in your area
Tornadoes
Hurricanes
Floods
Flash Flooding
Thunderstorms and Lightning
Winter Storms
Severe Weather Warnings/Advisories - What events usually have
to be occuring for warnings to be issued
Urban and Small Stream Advisory
Flash Flood Warning
Tornado Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Preparing For Winter Severe Weather
Winter Weather Advisories
Winter Storm Warnings
Tornado Safety Rules
In Homes, the basement offers the greatest safety. Seek shelter under
sturdy furniture if possible. In homes without basements, take cover in
the center part of the house, on the lowest floor, in a small room such
as a closet or bathroom, or under sturdy furniture. Keep away from windows.
In Shopping Centers, go to a designated shelter area (not to your parked
car).
In Office Buildings, go to an interior hallway on the lowest floor, or
to the designated shelter area.
In Schools, follow advance plans to a designated shelter area, usually
an interior hallway on the lowest floor. If the building is not of reinforced
construction, go to a nearby one that is, or take cover outside on low,
protected ground. Stay out of auditoriums, gymnasiums, and other structures
with wide, free-span roofs.
In Automobiles, leave your car and seek shelter in a substantial nearby
building, or lie flat in a nearby ditch or ravine.
In Open Country, lie flat in the nearest ditch or ravine.
Mobile Homes are particularily vulnerable and should be evacuated. Trailer
parks should have a community storm shelter and a warden to monitor broadcasts
thoughout the severe storm emergency. If there is no shelter nearby, leave
the trailor and take cover on low protected ground.
Hurricane Safety Rules
When a Hurricane Watch Is issued for Your Area...
Listen to local officials
Check often for official bulletins on radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio
Fuel car
Check mobile home tie-downs
Moor small craft or move to safe shelter
Stock up on canned food
Check supplies of special medicines and drugs
Check radio and flashlight batteries
Secure lawn furniture and other loose material outdoors
Tape, board, or shutter windows to prevent shattering
Wedge sliding glass doors to prevent lifting from their tracks
Flash Flood Warning
What Occurs For A Flash Flood Warning To Be Issued In Your County:
- Flash flooding or flooding has been reported or is imminent.
What You Should Do If A Flash Flood Warning Is Issued In Your County:
- Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots,
canyons, washes, etc.
- Avoid already flooded and high velocity flow areas. Do not attempt to
cross flowing streams.
- If driving, be aware that the road bed may not be intact under flood
waters. Turn around and go another way. Never drive through flooded roadways!
- If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants and sweep
them away. Remember it's better to be wet than dead!
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood
dangers.
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly
during threatening conditions.
Preparing for Winter Severe Weather
AT HOME AND AT WORK:
Have available:
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- Battery powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency
information. These may be your only links to the outside.
- Extra food and water. High energy food, such as dried fruit or candy,
and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration is best.
- Extra medicine and baby items.
- First aid supplies
- Heating fuel. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a severe
winter storm.
Fire extingluisher and smoke detector:
- Test units regularly to ensure they are working properly.
Emergency heating source, such as a fireplace, wood stove, space heater,
etc. :
- Learn to use properly to prevent a fire.
- Have proper ventilation.
IN CARS AND TRUCKS:
- Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins.
Carry a winter storm survival kit:
- Include with it: blankets/sleeping bags; flashlight with extra batteries;
first-aid kit; knife; high-calorie, non-preishable food; extra clothing
to keep dry; a large empty can and plastive cover with tissues and paper
towels for sanitary purposes; a smaller can and water proof matches to
melt snow for drinking water; sack of sand (or cat little); shovel; windshield
scraper and brush; tool kit; tow rope; booster cables; wather container;
compass and road maps.
- Keep your gas tank near full to aviod ice in the tank and fuel lines.
- Try not to travel alone.
- Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes.
Winter Weather Advisories
What Occurs For A Winter Weather Advisory To Be Issued In Your County:
Snow Advisory - 3-5 Inches of snow fall in a short period of time combined
with a light wind.
Blowing and Drifting Snow Advisory - Visibility at or below 1/4 mile at
intermittent periods.
Wind Chill Advisory - When wind chill temperatures are running at -30
to -35.
Freezing Rain Advisory - Accumulations making roads and sidewalks hazardous.
What You Should Do If Your County Is Under A Winter Weather Advisory:
Refer to the winter storm warning actions for action to take if an advisory
is upgraded to a warning or conditions become considerably worse in your
area.
Winter Storm Warnings
What Occurs For A Winter Storm Warning To Be Issued In Your County:
Heavy Snow - 6 inches or more of new snow is expected in 12 hours or
8 inches of snow is expected in 24 hours.
An Ice Storm - 1/4 inch (or greater) of ice accumulation.
Wind Chill - Wind chills of -50 degrees F and below.
Blizzard - Sustained wind speeds (3 hours or longer) of 35 miles per hour
or greater, or, frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable
falling and/or blowing snow with visibility less than 1/4 mile.
What You Should Do If Your County Is Under A Winter Storm Warning:
OUTSIDE:
Find Shelter:
- Try to stay dry.
- Cover all exposed parts of the body.
No Shelter:
- Prepare a lean-to, wind-break, or snow cave for protection from the
wind.
- Build a fire for heat and to attract attention.
- Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat.
- Do not eat snow. It will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.
IN A CAR OR TRUCK:
Stay in your car or truck:
- Disorientation occurs quickly in wind-driven snow and cold.
Run the motor about ten minutes each hour for heat:
- Open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked.
Make yourself visible to rescuers:
- Turn on the dome light at night when running engine.
- Tie a colored cloth (preferably red) to your antenna or door.
- Raise the hood indication trouble after snow stops falling.
Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers, and
toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.
AT HOME OR IN A BUILDING:
Stay inside:
When using alternative heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater
etc. :
- Use fire safeguards.
- Properly ventilate.
WITH NO HEAT AT HOME OR IN A BUILDING:
Stay inside:
- Close off unneeded rooms.
- Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
- Cover windows at night.
Eat and drink:
- Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Keep
the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.
Wear layers of loose-fitting, light weight, warm clothing:
- Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration, and subsequent chill.
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