DOCSLIB.ORG

Five Diamonds Severe Weather Policy

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Five Diamonds Severe Weather Policy Five Diamonds Severe Weather Policy SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT It is the mission of Five Diamonds Inc. to ensure that weather, specifically ice, snow, fog and heat, and the occurrence of severe weather, specifically severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning and flash flood events, minimally impact players, coaches, umpires and families at Five Diamonds Complex located in Waukesha, WI, on approximately 40 acres south of Les Paul Parkway (Highway 59/164) and west of Milky Way Road. Photos and descriptions of the physical property are found in Appendix B within this policy. Overall Goal - This policy identifies possible weather threats at Five Diamonds Complex and supplies steps to minimize or eliminate their impact to players, coaches, umpires and families and any other person on Five Diamonds property at the time of or before a severe weather event. SEVERE WEATHER RESPONSIBILITY In the event of severe weather approaching Five Diamonds Complex, the responsibility to assess and execute this plan will fall primarily to the General Manager or any person assigned primary duties. The steps and decisions will be made by the General Manager or person assigned primary duties. Primary duties are assigned by the General Manager and/ or Owners of Five Diamonds, Inc. Primary duties are as follows: To have a general understanding and awareness of the weather forecast and basic severe weather spotter techniques To alert the coaches and umpires of possible severe weather or weather that may impact safety, field conditions or both To make sure coaches and umpires know how to respond to 5 Diamond Severe Weather Policies To be able to activate severe weather notification at Five Diamonds Complex once weather and severe weather thresholds are reached To ensure every person at Five Diamonds follows severe weather procedures To remain at Five Diamonds Complex for duration of weather or severe weather event or until everyone leaves To inspect fields and grounds after a weather event and determine if it is safe to resume games and practices Five Diamonds Severe Weather Policy Page 1 *This Five Diamonds Severe Weather Policy is the copyrighted, proprietary work of Mark McGinnis. It is provided solely for the use of Five Diamonds, Inc. in connection with the administration and operation of the Five Diamonds Complex. It may not otherwise be reproduced, excerpted or used without the express written consent of Mark McGinnis. ©2012 Mark McGinnis. All Rights Reserved. SEVERE WEATHER THREATS Five Diamonds Complex is used by teams for practice and games from March through October in a typical calendar year. During this timeframe, here are list of weather threats: 1) Ice and Snow: Typically ice and snow would be a possible issue in March and April. In October, ice and snow are very uncommon but possible. The most common appearance would be of ice and black ice in the morning hours on the property in March, April and October. Snow of any significance, more than a dusting, would likely cause poor playing conditions and cancellation of practices and games. Nonetheless, any amount of ice or snow needs treatment or removal. 2) Fog: Five Diamonds Complex is located on former farmland with retention ponds and swamps nearby. The property sits in a low spot with hills to the south and east. This sheltered location makes the property susceptible to morning fog. Limited visibilities and the inability to track a white baseball, moving at a high rate of speed, due to fog endanger players and spectators. 3) Rain: A steady soaking rain lasting hours or bursts of heavy downpours associated with thunderstorms can render fields unplayable and dangerous. 4) Lightning: Five Diamonds Complex is located in an open field with tall high voltage electric lines on the east end of the property. Six of the fields have chain link fences that surround most of the fields, if not all, and go into the dugouts. Six of the fields also have tall metal lights for night games. The property is very exposed to the dangers of lightning. 5) Severe Thunderstorms: Thunderstorms are possible at all hours of the day but are most common between the hours of 3pm and 7pm. A severe thunderstorm, as defined by the National Weather Service (NWS), is a thunderstorm with winds in excess of 58mph, large hail in excess of 1” and/ or a tornado. If any of those three are possible, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued. If a tornado is imminent or has been seen by trained severe weather spotters, a Tornado Warning is issued. 6) Heat: Intense heat combined with humidity and sunshine can create dangerous conditions. The most likely time is from late morning through the evening with the young and elderly most susceptible to the heat. Sunburn, dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the dangers of intense heat and humidity. WEATHER AND SEVERE WEATHER TERMS AND DEFINITIONS 1) Ice and Snow: Ice most often happens without official advisories. Ice accumulation needs to be manually inspected when temperatures are forecast to be below or around freezing. However, snow is a highly publicized weather event in Wisconsin. As mentioned, even an inch of snow can render fields unplayable. Here are terms used by the National Weather Service (NWS) and media for snow and winter weather. A. Winter Storm Warning: Snow of 6 inches or more in 12 hours or less or snow of 8 inches or more in 24 hours or less is forecast. The snow may mix with freezing rain and sleet. B. Blizzard Warning: Snow and/or blowing snow and 35 mph winds reducing visibilities for 3 hours or more. C. Winter Weather Advisory: 3-6” of snow forecast in 12 hours or less. Snow may mix with freezing rain and sleet. Five Diamonds Severe Weather Policy Page 2 2) Fog: Fog is most common in the morning hours. If visibility is greatly reduced a Dense Fog Advisory may be issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). A. Dense Fog Advisory: Visibilities ¼ mile or less for at least 3 hours. 3) Rain: Rain is also a highly publicized event. It may not require an official advisory, especially in a long duration light, steady rain event. But, in the event of flooding, the following terms may be used by the National Weather Service (NWS): A. Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory: Flooding that may create an inconvenience within the next 24 hours. B. Flash Flood Warning: Flooding that causes a threat to life and property within 6 hours of causative event. C. Flood Warning: Flooding that causes a threat to life and property within 6 to 12 hours of causative event. 4) Lightning: This is the most likely cause for delays and the greatest threat to people at Five Diamonds Complex. By definition, all thunderstorms have lightning. There are no advisories for lightning, but if you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning. 5) Severe Thunderstorms: In the event of severe thunderstorms, a highly publicized warning system already exists in many forms. Here are terms used by the National Weather Service (NWS) in regards to severe thunderstorms: A. Severe Thunderstorm Watch: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued when thunderstorms with winds over 58 mph and hail in excess of an inch are possible. The area impacted and time duration is included in the Watch. B. Tornado Watch: A Tornado Watch is issued when thunderstorms with tornadoes are possible. C. Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Thunderstorms with winds over 58mph and hail in excess of an inch are imminent or occurring within a designated area and time limit. D. Tornado Warning: A tornado is on the ground or imminent with in a designated area and time limit. 6) Heat: Intense heat and heat waves impact Southern Wisconsin, periodically, from May through early September. If the risk of intense heat is significant, the National Weather Service (NWS) will issue advisories and/ or watches. A. Heat Advisory: Issued when the Heat Index, a combination of heat and humidity, reaches 100°F or greater during the day. A Heat Advisory will also be issued, when the Heat Index reaches 95°F for 4 consecutive days. B. Excessive Heat Warning: Issued when the Heat Index reaches 105°F during the day or 100°F for four consecutive days. WEATHER AND SEVERE WEATHER GUIDELINES These are the actions to take during one of the twelve identified weather threats defined above. 1) Winter Storm Warning: All games and practices cancelled for duration of warning. Five Diamonds will not re-open until all snow and ice are removed and fields are considered playable. 2) Blizzard Warning: All games and practices cancelled for duration of warning. Five Diamonds will not re-open until all snow and ice are removed and fields are considered playable. Five Diamonds Severe Weather Policy Page 3 3) Winter Weather Advisory: All games and practices cancelled for duration of advisory. Five Diamonds will not re-open until all snow and ice are removed and fields are considered playable. 4) Dense Fog Advisory: All games and practices suspended for duration of advisory. Games and practices can start once the advisory ends or it is determined visibility has improved enough to allow for safe play. A test of this is to walk to fields 7 and 10, farthest from the snack bar. If the snack bar can be seen clearly from fields 7 and 10, visibility has improved enough for safe play. 5) Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory: All games and practices cancelled for duration of advisory. Five Diamonds will not re-open until fields are considered playable. 6) Flash Flood Warning: All games and practices cancelled for duration of warning.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • EXTREME HEAT TOOLKIT a Planning Guide for Public Health and Emergency Response Professionals
    EXTREME HEAT TOOLKIT A planning guide for public health and emergency response professionals WISCONSIN CLIMATE AND HEALTH PROGRAM Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health dhs.wisconsin.gov/climate | [email protected] State of Wisconsin | Department of Health Services | Division of Public Health | P-00632 (Rev. 04/2019) 1 CONTENTS Introduction Definitions Guides Guide 1: Definitions of Heat Alerts Guide 2: Heat Illnesses and Symptoms Guide 3: Extreme Heat Tips Guide 4: Populations Vulnerable to Heat Guide 5: Talking Points for Heat-Related Fatality Guide 6: Message Maps about Heat-Related Safety Guide 7: Long-Term Preparation Checklist Guide 8: Anticipation of Imminent Heat Event Checklist Guide 9: Extreme Heat Event Response Checklist Appendices Appendix A: References Appendix B: Additional Resources Appendix C: Sample Heat Response Plan ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Wisconsin Extreme Heat Toolkit was made possible through funding from cooperative agreement 5UE1/ EH001043-02 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the commitment of many individuals at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) who contributed their valuable time and knowledge to its development. Special thanks to: Jeffrey Phillips, RS, Director of the Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health, DHS Megan Christenson, MS, MPH, Epidemiologist, DHS Brooke Thompson, MPH, Healthy Homes Program Manager, DHS Stephanie Krueger, Public Health Associate, CDC/ DHS Eleanor Ganz, BRACE Toolkits Intern, DHS For more information, please contact: Colleen Moran, MS, MPH Climate and Health Program Manager Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health 1 W. Wilson St., Room 150 Madison, WI 53703 [email protected] 608-266-6761 2 INTRODUCTION Purpose The purpose of this Extreme Heat Toolkit is to provide information to local governments, health departments, and citizens about preparing for and responding to heat events.
    [Show full text]
  • Tornado Safety Q & A
    TORNADO SAFETY Q & A The Prosper Fire Department Office of Emergency Management’s highest priority is ensuring the safety of all Prosper residents during a state of emergency. A tornado is one of the most violent storms that can rip through an area, striking quickly with little to no warning at all. Because the aftermath of a tornado can be devastating, preparing ahead of time is the best way to ensure you and your family’s safety. Please read the following questions about tornado safety, answered by Prosper Emergency Management Coordinator Kent Bauer. Q: During s evere weather, what does the Prosper Fire Department do? A: We monitor the weather alerts sent out by the National Weather Service. Because we are not meteorologists, we do not interpret any sort of storms or any sort of warnings. Instead, we pass along the information we receive from the National Weather Service to our residents through social media, storm sirens and Smart911 Rave weather warnings. Q: What does a Tornado Watch mean? A: Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information. Q: What does a Tornado Warning mean? A: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar and you need to take shelter immediately. Q: What is the reason for setting off the Outdoor Storm Sirens? A: To alert those who are outdoors that there is a tornado or another major storm event headed Prosper’s way, so seek shelter immediately. I f you are outside and you hear the sirens go off, do not call 9-1-1 to ask questions about the warning.
    [Show full text]
  • 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.
    [Show full text]
  • Hazard Criteria
    NWS San Diego All-Hazard Reference Guide Warnings and Advisories are issued 12 to 48 hours in advance. Watches are issued when warning level conditions are forecast within the next 36 to 48 hours, or up to 72 hours with high confidence. High Winds/Blowing Dust Blowing High Wind Dust Storm Region Wind Advisory Dust Warning Warning Advisory Coastal and Sustained ≥ 30 mph Sustained ≥ 40 mph Visibility Visibility Valley areas or gust ≥ 35 mph gust ≥ 58 mph ¼ to 1 mile <¼ mile Mountains and Sustained ≥ 35 mph Sustained ≥ 45 mph Visibility Visibility Deserts or gust ≥ 40 mph or gust ≥ 58 mph ¼ to 1 mile <¼ mile < 7000 feet Mountains Sustained ≥ 40 mph Sustained ≥ 40 mph Visibility Visibility > 7000 feet or gust ≥ 55 mph or gust ≥ 75 mph ¼ to 1 mile <¼ mile Winter Weather Winter Winter Blizzard Wind Chill Wind Chill Region Weather Storm Warning Advisory Warning Advisory Warning 4-8” in Sustained winds Wind Chill 12” in 12 hours, Wind Chill Mountains 12 hours, > 35 mph and Temperatures 18” in 24 hours, Temperatures > 7000 feet or 8-12” in visibility <¼ mile from High Impact < -20 ◦F 24 hours in blowing snow -10 to -20 ◦F 3-6” in Sustained winds Wind Chill Mountains 8” in 12 hours, Wind Chill 12 hours, > 35 mph and Temperatures 3000 to 12” in 24 hours, Temperatures 4-8” in visibility <¼ mile from 7000 feet High Impact < -20 ◦F 24 hours in blowing snow -10 to -20 ◦F Other areas 1-4” in Sustained winds Wind Chill including 4” in 12 hours, Wind Chill 12 hours, > 35 mph and Temperatures High 6” in 24 hours, Temperatures 3-6” in visibility <¼ mile
    [Show full text]
  • Code Gray Watch- Indicates a High Probability of a Tornado in the Area of the Watch
    St. Vincent’s Health System Page 1 of 9 TITLE: SEVERE WEATHER/WINTER WEATHER PLAN FACILITY: FUNCTION: ORIGINATING DEPT: ST. VINCENT’S EAST SAFETY HOSPITAL SHARED POLICY? EFFECTIVE DATE: _X_ Yes __ No DOCUMENT NUMBER: LAST REVIEW DATE: 4100-805 A ORIGINATION DATE: LAST REVISION DATE: NEW 9/2007 APPROVAL DATE: RETIREMENT DATE: PURPOSE To establish guidelines in the event of an outbreak of severe weather such as tornado/ hurricane or winter weather conditions such as snow/ice that may have the potential to affect/harm operations, services or physical structure. This plan applies to all St. Vincent’s East associates, Medical Staff, contracted employees, and volunteers for all components of the health care organization. POLICY It is the policy of St. Vincent’s East to maintain essential services and operation during any severe weather/winter weather while providing for the protection, safety and health of patients, associates and visitors. Where time and conditions permit, the Incident Commander may enact the Severe Weather/Winter Weather Plan. The plan allows management to consider staffing, procedure cancellation, supply needs and other preparatory actions before the expected weather/emergency is at hand. In the event of inclement weather or emergency situations special staffing instructions for essential service, reserve service and delayed service departments will be broadcast on the Inclement Weather & Emergency Hotline 838-3411. All associates are asked to call the hotline for directives during inclement weather emergencies. Human Resources Department will address compensation and notify associates accordingly. DEFINITIONS Code Gray Watch- indicates a high probability of a tornado in the area of the watch.
    [Show full text]
  • 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.
    [Show full text]
  • 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.
    [Show full text]
  • January 28, 2021
    Winds kick up but storm milder than expected so far By John Cox Bakersfield Californian, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021 Strong winds knocked out power around Bakersfield and snow shut down traffic on the Grapevine Wednesday but the consensus was things could have been worse — and that it was too soon to declare they won't be. A wind advisory and a winter storm warning were in effect in parts of the county Wednesday as gusts of up to 55 mph hit the Arvin area and snow fell at 3,500 feet, with more expected as low as 2,000 feet. Authorities cautioned travelers headed across mountain passes to stay informed of changing weather conditions and keep extra food, water and blankets in their vehicles. Not as much rain came down by mid-afternoon Wednesday as had been expected, which came as a relief to almond growers after last week's wintry weather knocked down substantial portions of some local orchards. Farmers said the ground was drier this time and so winds Tuesday night and Wednesday weren't generally enough to blow trees sideways. “It hasn’t been a devastation because there hasn’t been enough rain,” McKittrick-area almond grower Don Davis said. A California Highway Patrol spokesman said there had been few problems in the Bakersfield area apart from downed power lines on Ashe Road and a 53-foot tractor-trailer that swiped the side of a mountain while taking Highway 178 through the Kern River Canyon to avoid storm-related closures elsewhere. Public Information Officer Roberto Rodriguez said Highway 58 through the Tehachapi area was open Wednesday but that the Grapevine closed at about 4 a.m.
    [Show full text]
  • 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.
    [Show full text]
  • 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.
    [Show full text]
  • Severe Weather: Thunderstorms and Tornados
    Health and Safety Alert January 2020 Severe Weather Watches and Warnings: Thunderstorms and Tornados A severe weather watch alerts people that severe weather is expected or that conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather. A severe weather warning means that severe weather is occurring, imminent, or likely in the location indicated and is a threat to life and property. People in the warning area need to take action immediately. Severe Weather Watches and Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service. When a watch is issued: A watch may be issued hours before a storm. The sky may be sunny when you first hear a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch. After you learn of a watch, check weather information frequently: While watches may be issued before storms form, thunderstorms may be developing when the watch is posted, or thunderstorms may be ongoing and moving into the area. By checking the weather information again, you will be aware of what is going on around you. Options for staying informed about the weather include: • Weather radios • TV news channels • AM/FM radio • Internet • Emergency alerts via phone, e-mail or text When a severe thunderstorm warning is issued: Do not ignore severe thunderstorm warnings! Severe thunderstorm warnings often precede tornado warnings, providing you with extra time to prepare for a dangerous storm. If there is a severe thunderstorm headed your way, you should monitor it closely, especially if a tornado watch is also in effect. Move inside and away from windows. Severe thunderstorms can produce damaging straight- line winds and large hail.
    [Show full text]
  • Weather Watches and Warnings Severe Thunderstorm Warning
    Weather Watches and Warnings Weather Watches and Warnings Severe Thunderstorm Watch Severe Thunderstorm Watch Means thunderstorms forecast will produce six and more hail Means thunderstorms forecast will produce six and more hail events of 3/4 inch (penny) diameter or greater, or damaging events of 3/4 inch (penny) diameter or greater, or damaging winds of 50 knots (58 mph) or greater. The forecast event winds of 50 knots (58 mph) or greater. The forecast event minimum thresholds should be at least 2 hours over an area minimum thresholds should be at least 2 hours over an area of at least 8,000 square miles. of at least 8,000 square miles. Severe Thunderstorm Warning Severe Thunderstorm Warning Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are issued when there is Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are issued when there is radar indication and/or reliable spotter reports of hail of 3/4 radar indication and/or reliable spotter reports of hail of 3/4 inch (penny) diameter or greater, and/or wind gusts of 50 inch (penny) diameter or greater, and/or wind gusts of 50 knots (58 mph) or greater. knots (58 mph) or greater. Tornado Watch Tornado Watch A tornado watch means that the conditions are favorable for A tornado watch means that the conditions are favorable for producing a particular event, but it has not formed yet. Watches alert producing a particular event, but it has not formed yet. Watches alert the public that they need to pay closer attention than usual to the the public that they need to pay closer attention than usual to the weather, just to be safe.
    [Show full text]