You see them on TV, and hear them on the radio, but what do all of those severe weather alerts mean, and what should you do?
If severe weather is imminent, the National Weather Service will issue a number of different watches and warnings. Each warning and watch requires different actions to be taken.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
What it Means:
Conditions are conducive to the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the area. A severe thunderstorm produces hail at least three-quarters of an inch in diameter, has winds of 58 miles per hour or higher, or produces a tornado.
What to Do:
- Listen to the radio or TV for weather updates.
- Get away from natural lightning rods such as golf clubs, bicycles and camping equipment.
- Be prepared to seek shelter if a severe thunderstorm approaches.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
What It Means:
Spotters have observed a severe thunderstorm or it has been indicated on radar, and the storm is occurring or imminent.
What To Do:
- Cover the windows.
- Unplug appliances and turn off the air conditioner.
- Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water.
- If you are boating or swimming, get to land, and take shelter in substantial, permanent, enclosed structures. If there are no reinforced buildings in sight, take shelter in a car.
- Avoid tall structures such as towers, tall trees, fences, telephone lines, and power lines.
- Stay away from natural lightning rods.
- If you are outside and feel your hair stand on end (which indicates that lightning is about to strike), drop to your knees and bend forward, putting your hands on your knees. Crouch on the balls of your feet. Do not lie flat on the ground.
- If you are driving, pull safely onto the shoulder of the road and stop, making sure you are away from any trees or other tall objects that could fall on the vehicle. Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
Tornado Watch
What It Means:
Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms and multiple tornadoes in and close to the watch area.
What To Do:
- Listen to the radio or TV for weather updates.
Tornado Warning
What It Means:
A tornado has been sighted by spotters or it has been indicated on radar, and is occurring or imminent in the warning area.
What To Do:
- Listen to the radio or TV for weather updates.
- If you are inside, go to a safe place, like a bathroom or basement, to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects.
- Get under a piece of sturdy furniture, such as a workbench or heavy table, and hold on to it. Use your other arm and hand to protect your head and neck from falling or flying objects.
- Stay away from windows.
- If you’re outside, in a car, or in a mobile home, immediately go to the basement of a nearby sturdy building.
- If there is no building nearby, lie flat in a low spot.
- Avoid places with wide-span roofs, such as auditoriums, large hallways, or shopping malls.
Flood and Flash Flood Watches
What It Means:
A flood or flash flood is possible.
What To Do:
- Listen to the radio or TV for weather updates.
- Be ready to respond and act immediately.
- Be alert to signs of flooding. If you live in a flood-prone area, be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
- Follow the instructions and advice of local authorities.
Flood and Flash Flood Warnings
What It Means:
Flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon.
What To Do:
- Listen to the radio or TV for weather updates.
- If you live in a flood-prone area or think you are at risk, evacuate immediately.
- Move quickly to higher ground. Save yourself, not your belongings.
- Follow the instructions and advice of local authorities.
- If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Follow recommended evacuation routes.
- Leave early enough to avoid being marooned by flooded roads.
- Avoid flooded roadways. Two feet of water will carry away most automobiles.
Heat Advisory
What It Means:
There is an extreme heat index between 105 °F to 115 °F for up to three hours during the day and at or above 80 °F at night for two consecutive nights.
What To Do:
- Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
- Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity.
- Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.
- Postpone outdoor games and activities.
- Stay indoors as much as possible.
- If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a public building with air conditioning each day for several hours.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Frequently check on animals