Weather Safety for Kids
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Floods Creeks, Culverts, Dry Streambeds Or Low- Lying Ground That Appear Harmless in Dry Weather Can Flood
28 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 29 lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, Floods creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low- lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. Every state is at risk from this hazard. What to do before a flood 1. Know the terms used to describe flooding: • Flood Watch—Flooding is possible. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or commercial radio or television for information. Watches are issued 12 to 36 hours in advance of a possible flooding event. • Flash Flood Watch—Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to loods are one of the most common higher ground. A flash flood could hazards in the U.S. However, all occur without any warning. Listen floods are not alike. Riverine floods F to NOAA Weather Radio or com- develop slowly, sometimes over a period of mercial radio or television for days. Flash floods can devel- additional information. op quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes, without any Go to higher • Flood Warning—Flooding is visible signs of rain. Flash ground during occurring or will occur soon. If floods often have a danger- floods. Moving advised to evacuate, do so im- ous wall of roaring water water only mediately. that carries a deadly cargo of 6 inches deep • Flash Flood Warning— rocks, mud and other debris can knock you A flash flood is occurring. and can sweep away most Seek higher ground on foot things in its path. Overland off your feet. immediately. flooding occurs outside a de- fined river or stream, such as 2. -
Flood Warning Systems
FLOOD WARNING SYSTEMS A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING, IMPLEMENTING AND OPERATING FLOOD WARNING SYSTEMS WHAT’S INSIDE FLOOD 01 Flood Warning 02 A Real-Time Solution WARNING 04 Streamflow Measurements 06 Typical Flood Warning System Protecting Lives and Property from Floods 08 Monitoring Location In the United States, the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service — part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Data Management 10 — work together to maintain flood warning systems across the country. 12 Quality Assurance Specifically, the USGS acts as the principal source on surface and ground- water data, and operates more than 85 percent of stream gaging stations in 14 Recommended Equipment the U.S. The NWS uses those data and data from other sources to issue river forecasts and flood alerts. 16 Purchase or Rent? 17 About Fondriest Environmental Generally speaking, the NWS issues flood alerts either on a county basis, or for particular rivers and streams. Those alerts are divided into several basic 18 System Configuration Tool categories: Flood watches are issued when conditions suggest a possibility of flooding, or if flooding is anticipated within 12-48 hours. Flood warnings are more severe, and are issued if widespread flooding is expected across a large region, or if flooding is imminent or actively taking WHY MONITORING MATTERS place. Flash flood watches and warnings follow the same protocol, but indicate While some areas are more prone to flooding than others, the establishment of flood warning systems near any major waterway or body potential for especially rapid flooding, usually from heavy rain or dam failure. -
Severe Weather Safety Guide Flash Flooding
What causes River Flooding? Stay informed! • Persistent storms over the same area for long Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or Severe periods of time. television for the latest weather and river forecasts. • Combined rainfall and snowmelt • Ice jams Weather • Releases from man made lakes • Excessive rain from tropical systems making Safety landfall. How does the NWS issue To check out the latest river forecast information Guide and current stages on our area rivers, visit: Flood/Flash Flood Warnings? http://weather.gov/pah/ahps Flash Check out the National Weather Service Paducah website for the latest information at Flooding weather.gov/paducah Call for the latest forecast from the National Weather Service’s Weather Information Now number: Paducah, KY: 270-744-6331 Evansville, IN: 812-425-5549 National Weather Service forecasters rely on a A reference guide from your network of almost 10,000 gages to monitor the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration height of rivers and streams across the Nation. National Weather Service National Weather Service This gage data is only one of many different 8250 Kentucky Highway 3520 Paducah, Kentucky sources for data. Forecasters use data from the Doppler Radar, surface weather observations, West Paducah, KY 42086 snow melt/cover information and many other 270-744-6440 different data sources in order to monitor the threat for flooding. FLOODS KILL MORE PEOPLE FACT: Almost half of all flash flood Flooding PER YEAR THAN ANY OTHER fatalities occur in vehicles. WEATHER PHENOMENAN. fatalities occur in vehicles. Safety • As little as 6 inches of water may cause you to lose What are Flash Floods ? control of your vehicle. -
City of Fairfax Prepared
City of Fairfax Prepared Thunderstorms Tornados A thunderstorm affects a relatively small area when compared to a hurricane Although tornadoes occur in many parts of the world, they are found most or a winter storm. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts frequently in the United States. In an average year, 1,200 tornadoes cause an average of 30 minutes. Despite their small size, ALL thunderstorms are 60-65 fatalities and 1,500 injuries nationwide. You can find more infor- dangerous! Of the estimated 100,000 thunderstorms that occur each year in mation on tornadoes at www.spc.noaa.gov the United States, about 10 percent are classified as severe. Tornadoes can occur at any time of day, any day of the year. Have a plan of action before severe weather threatens. You need to Understanding Watches and Warnings respond quickly when a warning is issued or a tornado is spotted. When a tornado warning is issued, get to a safe place. If in a home or Severe Thunderstorm Watch - Severe thunderstorms are possible in building it’s the lowest level, most interior room. If on the road, get to a and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe safe place. thunderstorm warning is issued. When conditions are warm, humid, and windy, or skies are threatening, monitor for severe weather watches and warnings by listening to NOAA Severe Thunderstorm Warning - Severe weather has been reported by Weather Radio, logging onto weather.gov or tuning into your favorite spotters or indicated by radar. -
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. -
Warning Uses Definition of Terms
Warning Uses Convective Weather Flooding Winter Weather Non-Precipitation Tornado Watch Flash Flood Watch Blizzard Warning Tornado Warning Flash Flood Warning Winter Storm Watch Severe Thunderstorm Watch Flood Watch Winter Storm Warning High Wind Warning Severe Thunderstorm Warning Flood Warning Snow Advisory Small Stream Flood Freezing Rain Advisory High Wind Advisory Advisory Ice Storm Warning Winter Weather Advisory Definition of Terms Term Definition Winter Weather There is a good chance of a major winter storm developing in the next several days. Outlook Winter Storm Watch There is a greater than 50% chance of a major winter storm in the next several days Winter Storm Any combination of winter weather including snow, sleet, or blowing snow. The Warning snow amount must meet a minimum accumulation amount which varies by location. Blizzard Warning Falling and/or blowing snow frequently reducing visibility to less than 1/4 mile AND sustained winds or frequent gusts greater than 35 mph will last for at least 3 hours. Ice Storm Warning Freezing rain/drizzle is occurring with a significant accumulation of ice (more than 1/4 inch) or accumulation of 1/2 inch of sleet. Wind Chill Warning Wind chill temperature less than or equal to -20 and wind greater than or equal to 10 mph. Winter Weather Any combination of winter weather such as snow, blowing snow, sleet, etc. where Advisory the snow amount is a hazard but does not meet Winter Storm Warning criteria above. Freezing Light freezing rain or drizzle with little accumulation. Rain/Drizzle Advisory . -
Programming NOAA Weather Radio
Why Do I Need a NOAA Weather Radio? ⦿ NOAA Weather Radio is an "All Hazards" radio network, making it your single source for comprehensive weather and emergency information. ⦿ One of the quickest and most reliable way to get life saving weather and emergency alerts from government and public safety officials. ⦿ NWR is provided as a public service by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part of the Department of Commerce. What Features Do Weather Radios Have? ⦿ Tone alarm ⦿ S.A.M.E. Technology ⦿ Selectable alerting of events ⦿ Battery backup ● In the event of a power outage the radio will still work with the batteries ⦿ External antenna jack ⦿ Can be hooked up to attention getting devices ● Strobe lights, pagers, bed shakers, computers, text printers Where Should They Be Kept? ⦿ Near a window in a home or office. ● Receive better reception ⦿ It is a good idea to keep one with sports equipment for emergency alerts. ⦿ Everyone should take one with them while outdoors (boating, camping) or traveling. Getting to Know Your NWR 3 4 1. Programming Buttons 2 2. Select 2 5 3. Menu 1 1 4. Warning Light-Red 6 5. Watch Light- Orange 6. Advisory Light- Yellow 7 7. Weather Radio On/Off Switch 8 8. Volume Up/Down 9 9. Weather/Snooze Button Getting to Know Your NWR: Display Icons 1. Low Battery 3 4 5 Indicator 2 6 1 7 2. Menu Indicator 3. Weather Radio On Indicator 4. Warning Tone Alert 5. Voice Alert 6. Clock Alarm 7. Volume Level Bars 8 8. Alphanumeric Starting Your NWR 1. -
WEATHER PREPAREDNESS KNOW the DIFFERENCE FLOODS: FLOOD/FLASH FLOOD WATCH Flooding Or Flash Flooding Is Possible in Your Area
WEATHER PREPAREDNESS KNOW THE DIFFERENCE FLOODS: FLOOD/FLASH FLOOD WATCH Flooding or flash flooding is possible in your area. FLOOD/FLASH FLOOD WARNING Flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area. THUNDERSTORMS: SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH - Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNINGSevere - thunderstorms has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. TORNADOES: TORNADO WATCH - Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, check supplies, and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives! TORNADO WARNING - A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings indicated imminent imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately under ground to a basement, storm celler, or an interior room (closet, hallway, or bathroom) DURING A TORNADO If you are in: Then: · Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior A structure (e.g. residence, small hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and building, school, nursing home, outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between hospital, factory, shopping center, you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use high-rise building) your arms to protect your head and neck. -
Lexington Police Department Lexington, Kentucky SPECIAL ORDER
Lexington Police Department Lexington, Kentucky SPECIAL ORDER BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE S.O. 1993-19 Sever Weather Occurrences Rescinds: SO 1973-20E References: CALEA Chapter(s) 46 Effective Date: 07/26/93 Distribution Code: B All Department Employees Originally Issued: 1993 I. PURPOSE The purpose of this order is to provide guidance to Division personnel in handling severe weather emergencies, including tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flooding. II. POLICY It is the policy of the Division of Police to provide increased security to areas affected by damaging weather, and to assist in providing warning of impending hazard when practical. Officers faced with a severe storm should take shelter when necessary to avoid a life-threatening situation. The National Weather Service (NWS) is responsible for determining the nature of weather phenomena and issues all watch and warning alerts. III. DEFINITION Severe Weather Reports: The NWS transmits severe weather information to the Fire Dispatch Office. The Fire Dispatcher relays this information to the Police Communications Office via the DES Radio Network. Severe weather warnings are also broadcast immediately upon issuance on NOAA Weather Radio and can be received on most Division radios. Severe Thunderstorm, Tornado, or Flash Flood Watch: Will be issued by the NWS when atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms or tornadoes, or rainfall amounts could cause flash flooding. Severe Thunderstorm, Tornado, or Flash Flood Warnings: Will be issued by the NWS when the Weather Service has evidence that these conditions actually exist. NOAA Radio alerts tones are activated, notifications are made to media and Division of Fire. -
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. -
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. -
Watches and Warnings
Watches and Warnings... The National Weather Service sees the potential for severe weather, and a stream of weather information flows from our forecast offices to you. Each National Weather Service forecast office has a web site, a Facebook page, and a Twitter feed where you can find vital Information highlighting upcoming weather hazards. The hazardous weather outlook, a text product, highlights weather hazards seven days in advance. The Storm Prediction Center in Norman Oklahoma also forecasts the risk for severe weather across the country several days in advance. These outlooks will tell you if there is a risk for severe weather, and if you are in a marginal, slight, enhanced slight, moderate, or high risk area for severe weather. If severe weather becomes likely within six hours, a watch will be issued, alerting you to the increased risk for severe weather. If you are in or close to the watch area, you should plan where to go for shelter if severe weather occurs. If high wind is a threat, tying down or bringing loose objects indoors would be a wise move. If large hail is a threat, protecting your vehicle would be a good idea. Then, forecasters at the local National Weather Service forecast office will monitor satellite and radar data, and collaborate with severe weather spotters. Forecasters will issue warnings to alert you of the imminent severe weather threat. The warnings are sent out in many different ways in order to reach the most people possible. A warning is an urgent message telling you that severe weather or flooding is imminent or is occurring.