NWS Outlook, Watch, and Warning Products
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Heat Wave Safety Tips
Heat Wave Safety Tips KNOW THE FACTS Heat waves usually consist of high temperatures and high relative humidity. This combination makes it difficult for the human body to dissipate heat through the skin and sweat glands. Sweating will not cool the human body unless the water is removed by evaporation. High relative humidity, consequently, retards evaporation. Certain medications can also make it difficult for a person to sweat. Heat Index… The National Weather Service (NWS) uses the "HEAT INDEX" as a measure of the combined affects of high temperatures and high relative humidity. Research findings strongly suggest that HEAT INDEX (HI) values of 90 to 105 degrees make sunstroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity. Research findings strongly suggest that HI vales of 105 to 130 degrees make sunstroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion likely with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity. Advisories and warnings… The NWS issues Heat Advisories when it expects daytime HI's to equal or exceed 105 degrees for 3 hours or more while nighttime HI's equal or exceed 80 degrees, for any 24- hour period. The NWS issues Excessive Heat Warnings when it expects daytime HI's to equal or exceed 115 degrees for 3 hours or more while nighttime HI's equal or exceed 80 degrees, for any 24-hour period. The NWS may issue an "Excessive Heat Watch" 24 to 8 hours in advance of heat wave conditions. DURING THE HEAT Listen to your NOAA Weather Radio… Stay informed about the latest watches, warnings, and advisories. -
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. -
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. -
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 -
Technical Report
Establishing a WMO Sand and Dust Storm Warning Advisory and Assessment System Regional Node for West Asia: Current Capabilities and Needs Technical Report For more information, please contact: World Meteorological Organization Research Department Atmospheric Research and Environment Branch 7 bis, avenue de la Paix – P.O. Box 2300 – CH 1211 Geneva 2 – Switzerland Tel.: +41 (0) 22 730 81 11 – Fax: +41 (0) 22 730 81 81 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/arep/wwrp/new/wwrp_new_en.html WMO-No. 1121 Establishing a WMO Sand and Dust Storm Warning Advisory and Assessment System Regional Node for West Asia: Current Capabilities and Needs Technical Report NOVEMBER 2013 Cover photogtraph:Soil Solutions Ltd. © United Nations Environment Programme, 2013 General disclaimers The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The opinions, figures and estimates set forth in this publication are not the responsibility of the author, and should not necessarily be considered as reflecting the views or carrying the endorsement of the United Nations Environment Programme. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of UNEP or the editors, nor are they an official record. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of UNEP or contributory organizations. Technical content disclaimers While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the contents of this publication are factually correct and properly referenced, UNEP does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the contents, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of, or reliance on, the contents of this publication. -
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. -
Inclement Weather Guidelines for Outdoor Events
INCLEMENT WEATHER GUIDELINES FOR OUTDOOR EVENTS “Inclement weather” is a generic term often used to describe weather conditions that are either unsafe or undesirable for outdoor events. Inclement weather can come in many different forms, as outlined below. This guideline is intended to be used as a tool to help you identify when forecasted or actual weather conditions require cancelling or postponing an event. NOTE: This checklist addresses only the most unsafe weather conditions. Your own event guidelines may dictate actions for other weather conditions that may be undesirable (e.g. rainy, too warm, too cold). Should any of the following triggers occur or become forecasted for the time of the event, the event should be cancelled or, when appropriate, temporarily postponed for safety reasons. Temporarily postponing an event means just waiting a few minutes until the immediate hazard passes, if your schedule allows. When in doubt about what to do, consult with FSU Emergency Management for decision support. ADVANCED NOTICE TRIGGER TO CANCEL EVENT: TRIGGER TO TEMPORARILY POSTPONE TIMEFRAME EVENT: 0 ‐ 48 Hours [ ] Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watch [ ] Winter Storm Watch 0 ‐ 24 Hours [ ] Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Watch [ ] High Wind Watch [ ] Winter Weather Advisory [ ] Wind Chill Advisory 0 ‐ 12 Hours [ ] Tornado Watch [ ] Severe Thunderstorm Watch [ ] Flash Flood Watch [ ] Excessive Heat Warning [ ] Wind Advisory During Event [ ] Observed Heat Index in excess of 108’F. [ ] FSU ALERT issued for Tornado Warning, Severe Thunderstorm Warning, Flash Flood Warning or [ ] Observed Wind Chill less than 0’F. Lightning Warning. [ ] Observed winds in excess of 35 miles per hour. [ ] Significant Weather Advisory (no FSU ALERT). -
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 .