Extreme Temperature Emergency Annex
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Load more
Recommended publications
-
Heat Wave Safety Tips
Heat Wave Safety Tips KNOW THE FACTS Heat waves usually consist of high temperatures and high relative humidity. This combination makes it difficult for the human body to dissipate heat through the skin and sweat glands. Sweating will not cool the human body unless the water is removed by evaporation. High relative humidity, consequently, retards evaporation. Certain medications can also make it difficult for a person to sweat. Heat Index… The National Weather Service (NWS) uses the "HEAT INDEX" as a measure of the combined affects of high temperatures and high relative humidity. Research findings strongly suggest that HEAT INDEX (HI) values of 90 to 105 degrees make sunstroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity. Research findings strongly suggest that HI vales of 105 to 130 degrees make sunstroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion likely with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity. Advisories and warnings… The NWS issues Heat Advisories when it expects daytime HI's to equal or exceed 105 degrees for 3 hours or more while nighttime HI's equal or exceed 80 degrees, for any 24- hour period. The NWS issues Excessive Heat Warnings when it expects daytime HI's to equal or exceed 115 degrees for 3 hours or more while nighttime HI's equal or exceed 80 degrees, for any 24-hour period. The NWS may issue an "Excessive Heat Watch" 24 to 8 hours in advance of heat wave conditions. DURING THE HEAT Listen to your NOAA Weather Radio… Stay informed about the latest watches, warnings, and advisories. -
National Weather Service Reference Guide
National Weather Service Reference Guide Purpose of this Document he National Weather Service (NWS) provides many products and services which can be T used by other governmental agencies, Tribal Nations, the private sector, the public and the global community. The data and services provided by the NWS are designed to fulfill us- ers’ needs and provide valuable information in the areas of weather, hydrology and climate. In addition, the NWS has numerous partnerships with private and other government entities. These partnerships help facilitate the mission of the NWS, which is to protect life and prop- erty and enhance the national economy. This document is intended to serve as a reference guide and information manual of the products and services provided by the NWS on a na- tional basis. Editor’s note: Throughout this document, the term ―county‖ will be used to represent counties, parishes, and boroughs. Similarly, ―county warning area‖ will be used to represent the area of responsibility of all of- fices. The local forecast office at Buffalo, New York, January, 1899. The local National Weather Service Office in Tallahassee, FL, present day. 2 Table of Contents Click on description to go directly to the page. 1. What is the National Weather Service?…………………….………………………. 5 Mission Statement 6 Organizational Structure 7 County Warning Areas 8 Weather Forecast Office Staff 10 River Forecast Center Staff 13 NWS Directive System 14 2. Non-Routine Products and Services (watch/warning/advisory descriptions)..…….. 15 Convective Weather 16 Tropical Weather 17 Winter Weather 18 Hydrology 19 Coastal Flood 20 Marine Weather 21 Non-Precipitation 23 Fire Weather 24 Other 25 Statements 25 Other Non-Routine Products 26 Extreme Weather Wording 27 Verification and Performance Goals 28 Impact-Based Decision Support Services 30 Requesting a Spot Fire Weather Forecast 33 Hazardous Materials Emergency Support 34 Interactive Warning Team 37 HazCollect 38 Damage Surveys 40 Storm Data 44 Information Requests 46 3. -
SKYWARN Detailed Documentation
SKYWARN Detailed Documentation NWS Terminology Convective Outlook Categories Risk Description 0 - Delineates, to the right of a line, where a 10% or greater probability of General thunderstorms is forecast during the valid period. 1 - An area of severe storms of either limited organization and longevity, or very low Marginal coverage and marginal intensity. An area of organized severe storms, which is not widespread in coverage with 2 - Slight varying levels of intensity. 3 - An area of greater (relative to Slight risk) severe storm coverage with varying Enhanced levels of intensity. An area where widespread severe weather with several tornadoes and/or numerous 4 - severe thunderstorms is likely, some of which should be intense. This risk is Moderate usually reserved for days with several supercells producing intense tornadoes and/or very large hail, or an intense squall line with widespread damaging winds. An area where a severe weather outbreak is expected from either numerous intense and long-tracked tornadoes or a long-lived derecho-producing thunderstorm complex that produces hurricane-force wind gusts and widespread damage. This 5 - High risk is reserved for when high confidence exists in widespread coverage of severe weather with embedded instances of extreme severe (i.e., violent tornadoes or very damaging convective wind events). Hazardous Weather Risks Risk Description An advisory is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent, or likely. Advisories are for "less serious" conditions than warnings that may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised could lead to Advisory situations that may threaten life or property. The National Weather Service may activate weather spotters in areas affected by advisories to help them better track and analyze the event. -
Inclement Weather Guidelines for Outdoor Events
INCLEMENT WEATHER GUIDELINES FOR OUTDOOR EVENTS “Inclement weather” is a generic term often used to describe weather conditions that are either unsafe or undesirable for outdoor events. Inclement weather can come in many different forms, as outlined below. This guideline is intended to be used as a tool to help you identify when forecasted or actual weather conditions require cancelling or postponing an event. NOTE: This checklist addresses only the most unsafe weather conditions. Your own event guidelines may dictate actions for other weather conditions that may be undesirable (e.g. rainy, too warm, too cold). Should any of the following triggers occur or become forecasted for the time of the event, the event should be cancelled or, when appropriate, temporarily postponed for safety reasons. Temporarily postponing an event means just waiting a few minutes until the immediate hazard passes, if your schedule allows. When in doubt about what to do, consult with FSU Emergency Management for decision support. ADVANCED NOTICE TRIGGER TO CANCEL EVENT: TRIGGER TO TEMPORARILY POSTPONE TIMEFRAME EVENT: 0 ‐ 48 Hours [ ] Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watch [ ] Winter Storm Watch 0 ‐ 24 Hours [ ] Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Watch [ ] High Wind Watch [ ] Winter Weather Advisory [ ] Wind Chill Advisory 0 ‐ 12 Hours [ ] Tornado Watch [ ] Severe Thunderstorm Watch [ ] Flash Flood Watch [ ] Excessive Heat Warning [ ] Wind Advisory During Event [ ] Observed Heat Index in excess of 108’F. [ ] FSU ALERT issued for Tornado Warning, Severe Thunderstorm Warning, Flash Flood Warning or [ ] Observed Wind Chill less than 0’F. Lightning Warning. [ ] Observed winds in excess of 35 miles per hour. [ ] Significant Weather Advisory (no FSU ALERT). -
National Weather Service Reference Guide
National Weather Service Reference Guide Purpose of this Document he National Weather Service (NWS) provides many products and services which can be T used by other governmental agencies, Tribal Nations, the private sector, the public and the global community. The data and services provided by the NWS are designed to fulfill us- ers’ needs and provide valuable information in the areas of weather, hydrology and climate. In addition, the NWS has numerous partnerships with private and other government entities. These partnerships help facilitate the mission of the NWS, which is to protect life and prop- erty and enhance the national economy. This document is intended to serve as a reference guide and information manual of the products and services provided by the NWS on a na- tional basis. Editor’s note: Throughout this document, the term ―county‖ will be used to represent counties, parishes, and boroughs. Similarly, ―county warning area‖ will be used to represent the area of responsibility of all of- fices. The local forecast office at Buffalo, New York, January, 1899. The local National Weather Service Office in Tallahassee, FL, present day. 2 Table of Contents Click on description to go directly to the page. 1. What is the National Weather Service?…………………….………………………. 5 Mission Statement 6 Organizational Structure 7 County Warning Areas 8 Weather Forecast Office Staff 10 River Forecast Center Staff 13 NWS Directive System 14 2. Non-Routine Products and Services (watch/warning/advisory descriptions)..…….. 15 Convective Weather 16 Tropical Weather 17 Winter Weather 18 Hydrology 19 Coastal Flood 20 Marine Weather 21 Non-Precipitation 23 Fire Weather 24 Other 25 Statements 25 Other Non-Routine Products 26 Extreme Weather Wording 27 Verification and Performance Goals 28 Impact-Based Decision Support Services 30 Requesting a Spot Fire Weather Forecast 33 Hazardous Materials Emergency Support 34 Interactive Warning Team 37 HazCollect 38 Damage Surveys 40 Storm Data 44 Information Requests 46 3. -
Weather Vocabulary
SUMMER 2013 SPECIAL EDITION PAGE 1 WEATHER LANGUAGE Common Terms Used in Weather Reports Advisory - A forecast issued by the National damaging winds lasting from 5 to 20 minutes. This may Weather Service to highlight conditions that re- reach tornado intensity. quire caution, but are not thought to be immedi- ately life threatening. Microburst - A small downdraft of air with an outflow di- ameter of less than 2.5 miles with the peak winds lasting Backing Wind - A wind that changes its direction from 2 to 5 minutes. This can effect a planes performance. in a counter clockwise motion. For example, a northwest wind changing to a west wind. Saffir-Simpson Scale - A hurricane intensity scale that relates hurricane damage to wind speeds and central air Cumulonimbus - A dense and vertically developed pressures. Category 1: wind speeds 74-95 m.p.h. cloud that produces thunderstorms. The cloud can Category 2: wind speeds 96-110 m.p.h. bring heavy showers, hail, lightning, high winds and Category 3: wind speeds 111-130 m.p.h. sometimes tornadoes. Category 4: wind speeds 131-155 m.p.h. Cumulus Clouds - Fluffy, mid-level clouds that Category 5: wind speeds over 155 m.p.h. develop in towering shapes and signal fair Severe Thunderstorm - A thunderstorm with winds of 58 weather. Cumulus clouds are a principle cloud type. mph or greater and/or with hail ¾ inch in diameter or lar- ger. Downburst - A strong downward rush of air, which produces a blast of damaging, winds on or close to Severe Thunderstorm Warning - It’s issued to warn the the surface. -
KJAX 2018 Product Criteria.Xlsx
Product Criteria Coastal Products Coastal Flood Statement Used to describe coastal hazards that do not meet advisory, warning or watch criteria such as minor beach erosion & elevated (Action) water levels. Coastal Flood Advisory Highlight minor flooding like tidal overflow that is imminent or possible within 12 Hours& if confidence is high (equal to or greater than 50%), then may extend or set to begin within 24 hrs. Coastal Flood Watch Significant coastal flooding is possible. This includes Moderate and Major flooding in the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS) product. Coastal Flood Warning Significant coastal flooding is occurring, imminent or highly likely. This includes Moderate and Major flooding in AHPS. High Surf Advisory Breaker heights ≥ 7 Feet Rip Current Statement When a high risk of rip currents is expected Marine Products Small Craft Exercise Caution Winds 15-20 knots and/or seas 6 Feet Small Craft Advisory Winds 20-33 knots and/or seas ≥ 7 Feet Small Craft Advisory (seas only) Winds< 20 knots & seas ≥ 7 Feet (usually with a swell) Gale Watch Wind speed 34-47 knots or frequent gusts 34-47 knots Gale Warning Wind speed 34-47 knots or frequent gusts 34-47 knots Storm Watch Wind speed 48-63 knots or gusts of 48-63 knots Storm Warning Wind speed 48-63 knots or gusts of 48-63 knots Marine Dense Fog Advisory Widespread visibility < 1 nautical mile in fog Marine Dense Smoke Advisory Widespread visibility < 1 nautical mile in smoke Marine Weather Statement Update or cancel at Special Marine Warning (SMW), a statement on non-severe showers & thunderstorms, short-lived wind/sea increase that could be dangerous for small boats, significant conditions prevailing for 2+ Hours that could impact marine operations including: rough seas near inlets/passes, dense fog, low water events, HAZMAT spills, rapidly increasing/decreasing or shifting winds, or details on potential water landings. -
Assessment of NOAA National Weather Service Methods to Warn for Extreme Heat Events
JANUARY 2017 H A W K I N S E T A L . 5 Assessment of NOAA National Weather Service Methods to Warn for Extreme Heat Events MICHELLE D. HAWKINS,VANKITA BROWN, AND JANNIE FERRELL NOAA/National Weather Service, Silver Spring, Maryland (Manuscript received 27 May 2015, in final form 8 August 2016) ABSTRACT Recent climate studies have predicted a future with longer, more intense, and more frequent heat events. Evolving challenges presented by this paradigm necessitate an assessment of current efforts to warn for extreme heat events. NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) issue Excessive Heat Watch, Excessive Heat Warning, and Heat Advisory products as conditions warrant. In the fall of 2013 the NWS conducted an internal assessment with its WFOs to 1) document variations in the usage of heat-based watch, warning, and advisory hazard messages (products) across the country; 2) learn about the degree to which locally developed criteria are applied to forecaster decision-making processes in issuing these products; and 3) gather ideas for enhancing communication of expected excessive heat events in general. Survey responses indicate that WFOs selectively use one or a combination of products, and that various methodologies are used to develop criteria for issuing heat products. Given that forecasters use meteoro- logical and nonmeteorological factors when deciding to issue heat products, forecaster judgment is a crucial element of the warning process. Results also revealed partner confusion due to inconsistent heat product issuance criteria. Suggestions were made for eliminating or revising existing products and policies, or creating new products, policies, or issuance criteria. -
Spearfish Fire Department Policies and Procedures
SPEARFISH FIRE DEPARTMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Page 1 of 5 Volume: Operation Section: 20.00 Number: 20.09 Subject: Weather Watches, Warnings, Advisory’s and Spotter Activation Date Issued: 8 August 2019 Originator: Assistant Chief R. Mathis Rescinds: 28 March 2017 Approval: Assistant Chief R. Mathis I. Purpose This procedure provides guidance for safety and general procedures when responding to Weather Spotter activations. II. SCOPE This policy applies to all personnel. III. DEFINITIONS Winter Storm Watch A Winter Storm Watch is issued when there is the potential for significant and hazardous winter weather within 48 hours. It does not mean that significant and hazardous winter weather will occur...it only means it is possible. Significant and hazardous winter weather is defined as a combination of: 1) 5 inches or more of snow/sleet within a 12-hour period or 7 inches or more of snow/sleet within a 24-hour period AND/OR 2) Enough ice accumulation to cause damage to trees or powerlines AND/OR 3) a life threatening or damaging combination of snow and/or ice accumulation with wind. Blizzard Warning A Blizzard Warning means that the following conditions are occurring or expected within the next 12 to 18 hours. 1) Snow and/or blowing snow reducing visibility to 1/4 mile or less for 3 hours or longer AND 2) Sustained winds of 35 mph or greater or frequent gusts to 35 mph or greater. There is no temperature requirement that must be met to achieve blizzard conditions. Winter Storm Warning A Winter Storm Warning is issued when a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent. -
Plans for Excessive Heat Emergencies
CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR EXCESSIVE HEAT EMERGENCIES A Supporting Document to the Nevada County Emergency Operations Plan Reviewed Annually Last updated: September 2019 OVERVIEW This is a contingency plan supporting the Nevada County Emergency Operations Plan and the State Contingency Plan for Excessive Heat Emergencies. This plan describes County operations during heat related emergencies and provides guidance for local governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and faith-based organizations in the preparation of their heat emergency response plans and other related activities. This plan recognizes three (3) phases of activation. I. Seasonal Readiness a. Seasonal readiness begins annually in May as the warmer months approach; it is the preparedness activities and coordination that takes place prior to receiving a Special Weather Statement from the National Weather Service (NWS). b. Actions are taken as a result of credible predictions by the NWS of prolonged heat or power outages during warmer than normal weather conditions II. Heat Alert (NWS Heat Advisory & NWS Excessive Heat Watch) a. Excessively hot weather with credible weather forecasts of excessively hot weather in the next 24-72 hours. b. These weather conditions include high daytime temperatures, accompanied by night temperatures of 75 degrees or more. c. See Heat Advisory and Excessive Heat Watch definitions below) III. Heat Emergency (NWS Excessive Heat Warning) a. Weather conditions with a heat index of over 105 degrees with NWS Heat Advisories or Warnings or excessively hot weather for more than three days. b. These weather conditions include high daytime temperatures accompanied by night temperatures of 75 degrees or more. c. Proclamation declared by the Nevada County Health Officer of an emergency related to excessive heat. -
Weather Products
Forecast Products The Zone Forecast Product highlights the expected sky condition, type and probability of precipitation, visibility restrictions, and temperature Zone affecting individual counties for each 12-hour period out through 7 days. Forecast ZFP Wind direction and speed are also included in the forecast out to 60 hours. WFO Paducah issues the zone forecast by 4 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. under the Product header ZFPPAH. This forecast is updated as needed to meet changing weather conditions. Refer to Appendix A for a guide to ZFP terminology. WFO Paducah provides detailed digital forecast data via the Area/Point Forecast Matrices. These products display forecast weather parameters in 3, 6, and 12-hour intervals through 7 days. Incorporated into a matrix format, this product creates a highly detailed forecast, allowing for an at-a- Area/Point AFM glance view of a large number of forecast elements. The AFM contains Forecast forecasts for each county within the WFO Paducah forecast area, while PFM the PFM shows forecasts for specific cities. WFO Paducah issues the Matrices Area/Point Forecast Matrices by 4 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. under the respective headers of AFMPAH and PFMPAH. These products are updated every 3 hours and as needed to meet changing weather conditions. Refer to Appendix B for a detailed guide to interpreting the AFM and PFM. WFO Paducah issues the Area Forecast Discussion twice daily by 4 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. under the header AFDPAH. This product provides scientific Area insight into the thought process of the forecast team at Paducah. -
Wind Advisory Is Cancelled
WWUS72 KCHS 220452 NPWCHS URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC 1152 PM EST MON NOV 21 2005 SCZ045-221100- /O.CAN.KCHS.LW.Y.0001.000000T0000Z-051122T2300Z/ /O.NEW.KCHS.WI.Y.0001.051122T0452Z-051122T1500Z/ BERKELEY- INCLUDING THE CITY OF...MONCKS CORNER 1152 PM EST MON NOV 21 2005 ...LAKE WIND ADVISORY IS CANCELLED... ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST TUESDAY... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHARLESTON HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST TUESDAY. THE LAKE WIND ADVISORY FOR LAKE MOULTRIE HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH A WIND ADVISORY. SOUTHWEST WINDS OF 20 TO 30 MPH WILL BECOME WEST 25 TO 35 MPH ACROSS ALL OF SOUTHERN SOUTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHEAST GEORGIA TONIGHT AS A STRONG UPPER LEVEL STORM SYSTEM CROSSES THE REGION TONIGHT. WIND GUSTS TO 40 TO 45 MPH ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. WINDS OF THIS MAGNITUDE CAN EASILY BREAK LARGE LIMBS OR BLOW LOOSE OUTSIDE OBJECTS AROUND. MOTORISTS...ESPECIALLY THOSE DRIVING HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES... ARE REMAIN ALERT FOR STRONG WINDS THROUGH MID MORNING TUESDAY. WINDS WILL BE PARTICULARLY HIGH ON ELEVATED BRIDGES SUCH AS THE ARTHUR RAVENEL BRIDGE OR THE TALMADGE MEMORIAL BRIDGE. IN ADDITION...WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 25 TO 30 KNOTS WITH GUSTS TO 35 KNOTS ON LAKE MOULTRIE TONIGHT. THE OPEN LAKE WATERS WILL BE EXTREMELY ROUGH AND MARINERS ARE URGED TO REMAIN IN PORT TONIGHT AND TUESDAY. STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO ALL HAZARDS...TV OR YOUR LOCAL NEWS SOURCE FOR LATER STATEMENTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHARLESTON. $$ GAZ114-115-221100- /O.CAN.KCHS.FZ.A.0002.051123T0500Z-051123T1400Z/ /O.NEW.KCHS.WI.Y.0001.051122T0452Z-051122T1500Z/ TATTNALL-EVANS- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...REIDSVILLE...CLAXTON 1152 PM EST MON NOV 21 2005 ...FREEZE WATCH IS CANCELLED..