severweather

Severe Weather Tips

Severe Thunderstorm

A severe thunderstorm can be damaging and life threatening, death and injuries occasionally occur from strong winds. Large hail can be responsible for tremendous property damage.

The national weather service defines a thunderstorm as "severe" when wind speed reach 58 mphor stronger and/or hail is produced that is 3/4 inch in diameter or larger and/or a tornado is produced. Downward rushing currents of air, or downdrafts, occur along the leading edge of almost all thunderstorms and along the trailing edge as well in some cases. This process, the same that can bring a welcome cooling breeze on a hot summer day, can also produce winds as damaging as those of a tornado. Strong localized downdrafts are called "downburst", these intense concentration of sinking air fan out upon striking the earth's surface and produce damaging winds. They may be accompanied by a "roaring sound". Thunderstorms that produce downburst typically produce several in succession of various sizes and intensities. There may be a will defined damage path similar to that of a tornado or concentrated damage may occur in one spot.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch: conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop in or around the watch area. Be ready to seek shelter if a storm approaches or a warning is issued for your area.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: a severe thunderstorm is indicated by radar, or reported by a reliable source. Move to a safe place immediately and stay away from windows

Move indoors during severe thunderstorms

Unplug applances and computers.

Do not answer telephones unless it is an emergency to call 911 for help, lighting can travel through telephone lines

Do not stand under a tree seek shelter in a sturdy building.

Remember lighting is as dangerous as hail stones and winds produce by a thunderstorm.

Remember that tornado can be produce during a thunderstorm warning, stay tune to a local tv, radio, or noaa weather radio for details on storms that are approaching or in the area.

**Madison County Fire Dispatch will advise all fire personnel of any watches and will page all volunteer fire depts in the event of a warning.** Tornado's

A tornado is a spinning funnel of air. A tornado forms when a funnel of warm air quickly rises from the earth, most of the time into a thundercloud. When cold dry air moves onto a warm wet air mass flowing north, if strong winds set the upward moving cold air mass of air spinning, it can turn into a tornado. Tornadoes are known to pick up trees, cars, trucks, farm animals, and anything smaller. Tornado wind speeds can range from 70mph to over 300 mph and can move along the ground at 70 mph.

Tornado Watch: is issued to alert people to the possibility of a tornado development in your area.

Tornado Warning: is issued when a tornado has actually been sighted or is indicated on radar.

Tornadoes can strike with little or no warning, so preparedness could be the key to your survival. Here are some tips:

If your caught outside during a tornado stay low to the ground.
Take shelter inside a small windowless room on the bottom floor of your house. A closet or bathroom are best. Wrap yourself in a blanket or mattress, protecting your face and eyes.
If you feel that your home is unsafe or you live in a mobile home move yourself and your family to storm shelter in your community before the storm hits.
Cars and trucks can be fatal shelters. If you are in the storm's path, get out of your vehicle and take shelter in a ditch, creek or in a crawl space beneath a bridge. Never try to out run a tornado in your vehicle. A tornado can toss cars and trucks around like toy's
When you are at work follow company rules as to were you should go during a tornado, if your not sure ask you manager or supervisor.
Listen to your local TV, Radio, and NOAA radio for updates.
Hold tornado drills, learn how to turn off water, gas, and electricity at the main switches.