Twin Coves Park Severe Weather Information Stay Tuned for Storm Watches and Warnings When there are thunderstorms in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, turn on your radio or TV to get the latest emergency information from local authorities. Listen for announcements of a thunder storm/ tornado watch or warning. Local Warning System Upon entering Twin Coves Park, please make yourself aware of the tornado warning system of the park. There is a weather warning siren within Twin Coves Park. The siren is located on the east side of the main area of the park next to the restroom and dump station facility (between camp sites 34 and 35). The severe weather siren will be activated by the Town of Flower Mound’s Office of Emergency Management under the following conditions:  Winds are greater than 70mph  Hail in excess of 1.25 inches  Confirmed rotation  National Weather Service (NWS) issues a Tornado Warning Tornado Watch A tornado watch is issued when weather conditions favor the formation of tornadoes, for example, during a severe thunderstorm watch or warning. During a tornado watch,  Stay tuned to local radio and TV stations or a NOAA weather radio for further weather information.  Begin making plans to evacuate to a facility outside of Twin Coves Park. The main shelter location for visitors and campers within Twin Coves Park is the Flower Mound Community Activity Center located at 1200 Gerault Rd (map included). Flower Mound Community Activity Center (CAC) 1200 Gerault Rd 4.8 Miles (10 minutes) from Park Entrance

 Watch the weather and be prepared to take shelter immediately if conditions worsen.  The Twin Coves Park Host will make every effort to inform all visitors and campers when a tornado warning or watch has been issued and is in effect.

Tornado Warning A tornado warning is issued when a tornado funnel is sighted or indicated by weather radar. Once a tornado warning has been issued, it will likely be too late to evacuate the park.

Individuals should seek shelter in a safe and secure building that has an interior room. The restrooms located on the east side of Twin Coves Park are the safest location within the park if you are not able to evacuate the park ahead of a severe weather event. Do not remain in your camper or tent.

The main objective during periods of sever weather is to prepare and give enough time to evacuate to a safe location. Thunderstorms Because thunderstorms produce lightning and sometimes hail, pay close attention to changing weather conditions when there is a severe thunderstorm watch or warning. A severe thunderstorm watch means severe thunderstorms are possible in your area. Storms may develop with little notice. A severe thunderstorm warning means severe thunderstorms are occurring in your area. Severe thunderstorms are capable of causing damage with winds greater than 58 mph and hail greater than 0.75 inches. If you hear thunder, you need to seek shelter immediately as the lightning is already close enough to strike your area. Keep fresh batteries and a battery‐powered radio or TV on hand. Electrical power is often interrupted during thunderstorms‐‐just when information about weather warnings is most needed.

Signs of an Approaching Storm Some tornadoes strike rapidly, without time for a tornado warning, and sometimes without a thunderstorm in the vicinity. When you are watching for rapidly emerging tornadoes, it is important to know that you cannot depend on seeing a funnel: clouds or rain may block your view. The following weather signs may mean that a tornado is approaching:

 A dark or green‐colored sky  A large, dark, low‐lying cloud  Large hail  A loud roar that sounds like a freight train If you notice any of these weather conditions, take cover immediately, and keep tuned to local radio and TV stations or to a NOAA weather radio.

Sighting a Funnel Cloud If you see a funnel cloud nearby, take shelter immediately (see the following section for instructions on shelter). However, if you spot a tornado that is far away, help alert others to the hazard by reporting it to the local authorities. Use common sense and exercise caution: if you believe that you might be in danger, seek shelter immediately. Taking Shelter Your family could be anywhere when a tornado strikes‐‐at home, at work, at school, or in the car. Discuss with your family where the best tornado shelters are and how family members can protect themselves from flying and falling debris. The key to surviving a tornado and reducing the risk of injury lies in planning, preparing, and practicing what you and your family will do if a tornado strikes. Flying debris causes most deaths and injuries during a tornado. Although there is no completely safe place during a tornado, some locations are much safer than others. In a Recreational Vehicle DO NOT STAY IN A RECREATIONAL VEHICLE DURING A TORNADO. Recreational Vehicles can turn over during strong winds. Even RV’s with a tie‐down system cannot withstand the force of tornado winds. Plan ahead. If you live in an RV, go to a nearby building, preferably one with interior rooms. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine, or culvert and shield your head with your hands. On the Road The least desirable place to be during a tornado is in a motor vehicle. Cars, buses, and trucks are easily tossed by tornado winds. DO NOT TRY TO OUTRUN A TORNADO IN YOUR CAR. If you see a tornado, stop your vehicle. Do not get under your vehicle. Outdoors Do the following if you are caught outside during a thunderstorm or a tornado if there is no adequate shelter immediately available:

 Avoid areas with many trees or towers.  Protect your head with an object or with your arms.  Find the lowest area possible. Office Buildings, Schools, Hospitals, Churches, and Other Public Buildings Extra care is required in offices, schools, hospitals, or any building where a large group of people is concentrated in a small area. The exterior walls of such buildings often have large windows. Do the following if you are in any of these buildings:

 Move away from windows and glass doorways.  Go to the innermost part of the building on the lowest possible floor.  Do not use elevators because the power may fail, leaving you trapped.  Protect your head and make yourself as small a target as possible by crouching down.