Watches vs. Warnings. What's the difference and what you should do!
03/12/2012
Douglas County Emergency Management, Topeka National Weather Service, Kansas Emergency Management Association, and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management have proclaimed March 12-16, 2012 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Douglas County and Kansas. According to the Storm Prediction Center, the US experienced 1691 tornadoes in 2011. Kansas experienced 68 of those tornadoes. This places the number of tornadoes 8 above the 1950-2010 average of 60 and 44 below the past 10 year average of 112. May was the most active month in KS with 31 tornadoes, and June 20 was Kansas' most active day with 16 tornadoes. Over the next several days we will examine different severe weather threats and challenge you and your family to get prepared for the upcoming severe weather season. You can post questions or tips on our you are prepared on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/dgcoem) or through Twitter:@dgcoem. Severe ThunderstormWatch A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH is issued by the Topeka National Weather Service when the weather conditions are such that a severe thunderstorm (damaging winds 58 miles per hour or more, hail one inch in diameter or greater) is likely to develop. Severe ThunderstormWarning A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING is issued when a severe thunderstorm is indicated by weather radar or a spotter reports at least 58 mph winds or 1 inch hail. At this point, the danger is very serious and everyone should go to a room with no windows on the lowest level of a substantial building, turn on a battery-operated radio or television, and wait for the "all clear" from local media. Tornado Watches and Warnings A TORNADO WATCH is issued by the Topeka National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms, including thunderstorms. This is the time to review where the safest places (an interior room with no windows on the lowest level) within your business and home are located, and listen to the radio or television for further developments. A TORNADO WARNING is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take Cover Immediately! If a Warning is issued or if threatening weather approaches: * In a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement. * If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture. * Stay away from windows. * Get out of automobiles. * Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately. * Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned. * Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that advance warning is not possible. Remain alert for signs of an approaching tornado. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most deaths and injuries. If all else fails remember the word DUCK: Down to the lowest level Under something sturdy Cover your head Keep in shelter until the storm passes It's Up to YOU!! After you have received the warning or observed threatening skies, YOU must make the decision to seek shelter before the storm arrives. It could be the most important decision you will ever make.
Related Links:
Watches vs. Warnings Flyer - http://bit.ly/SWAWDay1
Douglas County EM Website - http://bit.ly/yIXuxi
DCEM Facebook Page - http://www.facebook.com/dgcoem
DCEM Twitter Page - http://www.twitter.com/dgcoem
Media Contact:
Teri Smith, Director
Emergency Management Department
785-832-5259
tsmith@douglas-county.com