Early Warning & Preparedness Lightning A High Wind Watch indicates sustained Wind winds of a least 40 mph or gusts of 50 mph are expected. Tornado A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are ripe that a severe storm could occur. Facts & A Tornado Watch means conditions are ripe that a tornado could develop. Tips A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means a storm is imminent or has begun.
A Tornado Warning means a tornado has reportedly touched down or rotation has been spotted on radar.
A NOAA Weather Radio can be purchased at most stores that sell electronics products. They can be set so an alarm goes off if a storm warning is issued by the National Weather Service for your county.
A Family Emergency Plan should be developed which includes the protective Rear 26 West First Street actions that family members must take Columbia Bloomsburg, PA 17815 when a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning has been issued by the National Phone (570) 389-5720 County Weather Service. Visit www.readypa.org Fax (570) 784-2975 or www.ready.gov or our web site for addi- tional information. TDD (570) 784-6300 EMA ema.columbiapa.org
Lightning During thunderstorms, avoid using the Tornado telephone or electrical appliances.
Lightning results from the buildup and Class Strength Wind Speed Power surges from lightning strikes discharge of electrical energy between positively and negatively charged have been known to damage air EF0 Weak 65-85 mph conditioners, TV’s, refrigerators and areas. An invisible channel of electri- computers. EF1 Gale 86-110 mph cally charged air moves from a cloud to the ground. When it gets close, a EF2 Significant 111-135 mph If you must make an emergency tel- powerful surge from the ground moves ephone call, use a cell phone if it’s EF3 Severe 136-165 mph upward toward the cloud and produces available. the visible strike. EF4 Devastating 166-200 mph
Do not take a bath or shower during a EF5 Catastrophic Over 200 mph The air near a lightning strike is heated thunderstorm. to 50,000 degrees, which is hotter than the surface of the sun. The rapid heat- If outdoors, find a low spot that won’t When a tornado warning is issued, ing and cooling of the air near the immediately go to the basement. If a flood and stay away from trees if lightning channel causes a shock basement is not available, go to a hall or possible, unless you’re in the forest wave that results in thunder. interior room on the lowest level. If than take shelter under shorter trees. possible, get into a bathtub or under a Lightning causes an average of 80 sturdy piece of furniture. Stay away from fatalities and 300 injuries each year in windows. the U.S. Wind
Don’t try to outrun a tornado in a Most injuries and fatalities occur when Straight-line winds are responsible for vehicle. Immediately leave the vehicle people are caught outdoors in a storm most thunderstorm wind damage. and seek a safe shelter. during the summer months in the after- noon or evening. Straight-line winds can exceed 100 If you’re caught outside, seek shelter in mph! a ditch or depression and lie flat with
When a severe thunderstorm warning your hands over your head. is issued, immediately seek shelter in A downburst is a small area of rapidly a sturdy building and stay away from descending air beneath a thunderstorm. RearFlying 26 West First debris Street from tornadoes cause the windows. You’re also safer seek- Down bursts can also exceed 100 mph. Bloomsburg,most of PA the 17815 injuries and fatalities. ing refuge in a vehicle with a hard top than you are remaining out in the A down burst can cause damage equiv- Mobile homes offer no protection. Go to open. alent to a strong tornado and can be the lowest level of a nearby building. extremely dangerous to aviation.