Weather Watches and Warnings Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

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. A tornado watch is issued when weather, just to be safe. A tornado watch is issued when atmospheric conditions cause tornadoes to form, although none atmospheric conditions cause tornadoes to form, although none have formed yet. have formed yet. Tornado Warning Tornado Warning A tornado warning means that a particular weather event A tornado warning means that a particular weather event has formed and that it threatens the area under the warning. A has formed and that it threatens the area under the warning. A tornado warning means a tornado is actually present and moving in tornado warning means a tornado is actually present and moving in th warn vicinity. Residents should take immediate shelter in a th warn vicinity. Residents should take immediate shelter in a tornado warning. tornado warning. .

Copy Link

Recommended publications

Developing a Tornado Emergency Plan for Schools in Michigan
A GUIDE TO DEVELOPING A TORNADO EMERGENCY PLAN FOR SCHOOLS Also includes information for Instruction of Tornado Safety The Michigan Committee for Severe Weather Awareness March 1999 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS: A GUIDE TO DEVELOPING A TORNADO EMERGENCY PLAN FOR SCHOOLS IN MICHIGAN I. INTRODUCTION. A. Purpose of Guide. B. Who will Develop Your Plan? II. Understanding the Danger: Why an Emergency Plan is Needed. A. Tornadoes. B. Conclusions. III. Designing Your Plan. A. How to Receive Emergency Weather Information B. How will the School Administration Alert Teachers and Students to Take Action? C. Tornado and High Wind Safety Zones in Your School. D. When to Activate Your Plan and When it is Safe to Return to Normal Activities. E. When to Hold Departure of School Buses. F. School Bus Actions. G. Safety during Athletic Events H. Need for Periodic Drills and Tornado Safety Instruction. IV. Tornado Spotting. A. Some Basic Tornado Spotting Techniques. APPENDICES - Reference Materials. A. National Weather Service Products (What to listen for). B. Glossary of Weather Terms. C. General Tornado Safety. D. NWS Contacts and NOAA Weather Radio Coverage and Frequencies. E. State Emergency Management Contact for Michigan F. The Michigan Committee for Severe Weather Awareness Members G. Tornado Safety Checklist. H. Acknowledgments 2 I. INTRODUCTION A. Purpose of guide The purpose of this guide is to help school administrators and teachers design a tornado emergency plan for their school. While not every possible situation is covered by the guide, it will provide enough information to serve as a starting point and a general outline of actions to take.
[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]
PRC.15.1.1 a Publication of AXA XL Risk Consulting
Property Risk Consulting Guidelines PRC.15.1.1 A Publication of AXA XL Risk Consulting WINDSTORMS INTRODUCTION A variety of windstorms occur throughout the world on a frequent basis. Although most winds are related to exchanges of energy (heat) between different air masses, there are a number of weather mechanisms that are involved in wind generation. These depend on latitude, altitude, topography and other factors. The different mechanisms produce windstorms with various characteristics. Some affect wide geographical areas, while others are local in nature. Some storms produce cooling effects, whereas others rapidly increase the ambient temperatures in affected areas. Tropical cyclones born over the oceans, tornadoes in the mid-west and the Santa Ana winds of Southern California are examples of widely different windstorms. The following is a short description of some of the more prevalent wind phenomena. A glossary of terms associated with windstorms is provided in PRC.15.1.1.A. The Beaufort Wind Scale, the Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology Cyclone Severity Scale and the Fugita Tornado Scale are also provided in PRC.15.1.1.A. Types Of Windstorms Local Windstorms A variety of wind conditions are brought about by local factors, some of which can generate relatively high wind conditions. While they do not have the extreme high winds of tropical cyclones and tornadoes, they can cause considerable property damage. Many of these local conditions tend to be seasonal. Cold weather storms along the East coast are known as Nor’easters or Northeasters. While their winds are usually less than hurricane velocity, they may create as much or more damage.
[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]
Tornado Procedures
FLINT PUBLIC LIBRARYLIBRARY EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN FOR MAIN BRANCH 1026 E KEARSLEY ST FLINT MI 48503 TORNADO PROCEDURES Table of Contents General Purpose / Definitions and Conditions Contact person Tornado Watch Notification Tornado Shelter Locations Termination of Watches and Warnings DATE: MAY 2, 2006 1 FLINT PUBLIC LIBRARY TORNADO WEATHER PROCEDURES I. PURPOSE The purpose of the Flint Public Library Tornado Weather procedures is to outline how the Library’s Staff, patrons and students are to respond to tornado watches, tornado warnings, and actual tornadoes. II. DEFINITIONS A. Weather Alert System is a radio alert system that is located in the Loan Department workroom area. The system is activated with a alarm tone proceed with a verbal message by the Emergency Management Office with the current weather conditions. B. Contact Person - Staff person in charge on that day is responsible for receiving and disseminating all messages received over the Weather Alert System. If the Person in charge is unavailable their alternate will assume the responsibility. TORNADO CONDITIONS Tornado Watches : are issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrative National Severe Storm Forecast Center, Norman Oklahoma, to identify areas where conditions are favorable for tornado formation. A watch is an alert telling staff to continue with their daily routine, but to be ready to respond to a warning. Tornado Warnings : are issued by the local National Weather Service facility, in White Lake, Michigan, and means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Persons close to the storm should take shelter immediately, and remain there until the U.S. Weather Service warning has expired.
[Show full text]
Severe Thunderstorm Warning (SVR) Issuance in Situations Where There Are Convective Storms with Little Or No Lightning
Department of Commerce ● National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration ● National Weather Service NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE INSTRUCTION 10-511 APRIL 15, 2020 Operations and Services Public Weather Services, NWSPD 10-5 WFO SEVERE WEATHER PRODUCTS SPECIFICATION NOTICE: This publication is available at: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/directives/. OPR: W/AFS21 (G. Schoor) Certified by: W/AFS21 (M. Hawkins) Type of Issuance: Emergency SUMMARY OF REVISIONS: This directive supersedes NWSI 10-511, dated August 20, 2018. The following changes were made to this instruction: 1) Reverted language about the “LAT…LON” section (4.3.5) parameters in the Severe Weather Statement (SVS) to previous version. 2) Additional guidance in Section 2.2.2 for Severe Thunderstorm Warning (SVR) issuance in situations where there are convective storms with little or no lightning. 3) Added “Broadcast Media” to the default list included in the IBW “Source” bullet for SVR (Section 2.3.5), TOR (3.3.5), and SVS (4.3.5). 4) Additional guidance on the inclusion of qualifying severe reports into warning product messages for SVR (Section 2.3.5), TOR (3.3.5), and SVS (4.3.5) and an example in the Appendix (4c). Digitally signed by STERN.ANDRE STERN.ANDREW.D.13829 W.D.138292034 20348 Date: 2020.04.16 08:23:26 8 -04'00' 04/15/2020 Andrew D. Stern Date Director, Analyze, Forecast, and Support Office NWSI 10-511 APRIL 15, 2020 WFO Severe Weather Products Specification Table of Contents: Page 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 4 2. Severe Thunderstorm Warning (SVR) ...................................................................................... 4 2.1 Mission Connection .......................................................................................................... 4 2.2 Issuance Guidelines .........................................................................................................
[Show full text]
Severe Weather/Tornado Response Procedure, # EP-08-002
UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO SUBJECT: CODE GRAY Procedure No: EP-08-002 SEVERE STORM/TORNADO RESPONSE PROCEDURE PROCEDURE STATEMENT Clear, specific procedures shall be implemented to protect patients, staff, students, and visitors in the case of a severe storm and/or a tornado watch or warning. PURPOSE OF PROCEDURE To provide guidelines for actions to be taken in the event of a tornado watch and/or tornado warning. Definitions Tornado Watch as defined by the National Weather Service – defines an area where tornadoes are possible in the next several hours. In a watch you need to be alert and be prepared to go to safe shelter if tornadoes do happen or a warning is issued. Tornado Warning as defined by the National Weather Service – a tornado has been spotted or that Doppler radar indicates a thunderstorm circulation which can spawn a tornado. When a tornado warning is issued for your town or county take immediate safety precautions. PROCEDURE Switchboard The University Police dispatcher shall monitor the CAD system and the weather alert channels located in the dispatch offices. In the case where a tornado watch/warning has been issued or verified information has been received that a tornado has been sighted, the dispatcher shall notify the following: The switchboard operator on the Health Science Campus (HSC), who will issue a HSC campus-wide mass notification to all HSC buildings. The switchboard operators will also call the HSC departments or buildings listed below. The MC dispatcher shall also notify all police officers on duty of the tornado warning. Early Learning Center .................................................. 419-530-6710 Code Gray Watch or Warning shall be announced and cancelled based on information from the National Weather Service (via weather radio).
[Show full text]
SEVERE WEATHER the Weather in North Texas Can Be Brutal
SEVERE WEATHER The weather in North Texas can be brutal. The weather is among one of the biggest risks we face at UNT. With this in mind, we want to make sure you fully understand the weather risks we face. Severe weather hazards most common in North Texas include the following: Tornadoes Severe Thunderstorms High Winds Flooding Lightning TORNADOES A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that is connected to a cloud and making contact with the ground. Tornadoes can be incredibly destructive, with wind speeds in excess of 200 mph possible. Tornadoes are generally associated with the spring months, but tornadoes can also happen any time of year in North Texas. TORNADO WATCH A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. If the National Weather Service issues a tornado watch, remain alert and monitor the weather in the event of announcements. TORNADO WARNING A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted or radar indicates rotation in the clouds. If the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for Denton County, take the following actions: 1. Proceed to your designated shelter area (which should be an interior room without windows on the lowest level of the building) informing all individuals along your route to take shelter in a designated shelter location 2. Move away from windows, doors, and exterior walls 3. Get under a piece of furniture, if safely possible 4. Monitor the National Weather Service website and social media to determine when the warning has ended 5. Do not leave your shelter until you receive an Eagle Alert explaining that the warning has ended If you are in a car or outdoors during a Tornado Warning and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.
[Show full text]
Downloaded 10/04/21 06:50 AM UTC 308 Vol
Bulletin American Meteorological Society 303 The development of Doppler weather radars (Gray Gray, G. R., R. J. Serafin, D. Atlas, R. E. Rinehart, and J. J. et al., 1975) that can detect tornado vortices presents an Boyajian, 1975: Real-time color Doppler radar display. exciting opportunity to develop very effective tornado Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 56, 581-588. warning systems. As in the case of the visual sightings, Hering, W. S., H. A. Brown, and H. S. Muench, 1972: Meso- the Doppler radar can detect the phenomenon itself, scale forecast experiments. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 53, and it has the advantages that the incipient tornadoes 1180-1183. can be detected aloft well before touching ground (Don- Howe, O. M., 1974: Tornado path sizes. J. Appl. Meteor., 13, aldson, 1975), and detection can be made both day 343-347. and night. It is almost certain that the severe weather Mogil, H. M., 1974: Evaluation of severe weather and thun- forecaster working with Doppler information will also derstorm forecasts using manually digitized radar data and the SELS severe weather log. Preprints, Fifth Conference on have to make fast analyses and fast decisions; he will Weather Forecasting Analysis, Boston, Amer. Meteor. Soc., welcome computer guidance. Without speculating on the 270-275. form of this guidance, we can say that "radar plus com- Moore, P. L., A. D. Cummings, and D. L. Smith, 1974: The puter (plus forecaster?) equals fast diagnosis and National Weather Service manually digitized radar program warning." and its application to precipitation probability forecast- References ing. Preprints, Fifth Conference on Weather Forecasting and Analysis, Boston, Amer.
[Show full text]
Nwr Factsheet
NATIONAL OCEANIC & ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards: On Alert For All Emergencies aving lives is the focus of NOAA Features of NOAA Weather Radio Weather Radio All Hazards by provi- • Tone Alarm: Special tones precede the Sding immediate broadcasts of severe initial broadcast of all emergency an- weather warnings and civil emergency nouncements regarding immediate messages and giving those in harm’s way weather threats and civil emergency critical lead time to respond and remain safe. messages to gain a listener’s attention. Broadcasts of tornado warnings, flood These tones will also activate radios that warnings, AMBER Alerts for child abduc- are on alert mode, yet silent. This feature tions, chemical spill messages and many is especially crucial when severe storms or other notifications, in addition to routine other events occur at night when most weather observations and forecasts, make people are sound asleep. NOAA Weather Radio an essential item for • Size: Units are small (about the size of a every home, business and public area. clock radio) and require little space on a NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, a nightstand or table. They travel easily component of the nation's Emergency Alert (vacations, relocations) and will use the System, is comprised of a nationwide network signal from a nearby transmitter. of more than 970 transmitters directly linked • Battery Backup: Ensures continued with one of the 123 local offices of NOAA’s service during a loss of electricity, which National Weather Service, which issues weather can disable the warning capabilities of warnings and relays civil emergency messages television and the Internet.
[Show full text]
News Release Ashland Police Department Douglas A
News Release Ashland Police Department www.ashlandpolice.us Douglas A. Goodman, Chief Date: March 8, 2012 The Ashland Police Department would like to remind our citizens that March 20, 2012 has been proclaimed Tornado Preparedness Day by Governor Bob McDonnell. Recently in the news we have seen the tragedy caused by the outbreak of tornados in the mid west. Closer to home we are reminded about the devastation which was caused by tornados in Virginia in 2011. In an effort to educate the public about the dangers of tornados and the safety precautions we can take should a tornado affect our area, we are forwarding the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Press Release from the Governor’s Office. Please contact the Ashland Police Department at 412-0600 or visit http://www.vaemergency.gov for more information. GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS MARCH 20 AS TORNADO PREPAREDNESS DAY CITIZENS CAN PARTICIPATE IN STATEWIDE TORNADO DRILL RICHMOND, Va. – Last year, 51 tornadoes hit Virginia, the second highest number on record. To encourage tornado awareness and safety, Gov. Bob McDonnell has proclaimed March 20 as Tornado Preparedness Day in the commonwealth. “Tragically, many Virginia families and communities were affected by deadly tornadoes last year, and they continue to heal,” said Michael Cline, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “We cannot forget that 10 of our citizens died and more than 100 were injured. So it is critically important that we all know what to do when a tornado warning is issued.” On March 20, businesses and organizations, schools and colleges, and families and individuals are encouraged to practice taking cover from tornadoes by participating in the Statewide Tornado Drill, set for 9:45 a.m.
[Show full text]
Tornadoes What Is a Tornado? When Can a Tornado Occur? Tornado
Tornadoes What Is A Tornado? A Tornado is a violent storm with whirling winds of up to 300 miles per hour. It appears as a funnel shaped cloud, from gray to black in color, which extends to the ground from the base of the thunderstorm. A tornado spins like a top and may sound like the roaring of an airplane or locomotive. Their direction of travel can be erratic and may change suddenly. These short-lived storms are the most violent of all atmospheric phenomena and the most destructive, over a small area. When Can A Tornado Occur? Most tornadoes in Connecticut are likely to occur during the months of June, July, and August; however, they can occur at any time, often with little or no warning. Fewer tornadoes occur in the fall and spring. Most tornadoes in Connecticut are considered weak, with winds of 50 to 100 MPH. On August 9, 1878, a violent tornado swept through the village of Wallingford, Connecticut. It is the second worst tornado in New England history in terms of loss of life, after the great Worcester tornado of 1953. It is estimated that the Wallingford tornado would be classified as an F4 in intensity on today's Fujita Scale, with the force of winds lying between 207 and 250 miles per hour. At least 35 people were killed, and 90 structures totally demolished. Tornado Watch or Tornado Warning? The National Weather Service broadcasts severe weather conditions over the emergency alerting system as well as NOAA Weather Radio (see page 28 for the NOAA weather station in your area).
[Show full text]