Mar 20th, 2017
Spring has Sprung! Get Ready for Some of America's Wildest Weather!
By NWS - Click here for original article
Tornadoes, lightning, floods, rip currents and early season heat - spring is three months of danger that can imperil the unprepared. It roars in like a lion, rampaging across the United States throughout March, April and May. And there’s one hazard that can strike the coasts at any time: tsunamis.
Spring hazards include:
- Severe Weather/Tornadoes
- Floods
- Lightning
- Tsunamis
- Rip Currents/Beach Hazards
- Heat
Nobody knows the hazards of this dynamic season more than NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS). We ask that you get weather-ready for spring with just a few simple steps:
1. Know Your Risk
Check weather.gov every morning. It is a simple action that will ensure that you’re ready for the day’s weather. Don’t leave home without knowing the forecast.
2. Take Action!
Assemble an emergency supplies kit with 72 hours worth of food and water. In an emergency (such as after a tornado or some other hazard event), you may be stuck at home without electricity for three days or more. Make sure that you’re prepared. Also, ensure that everyone in your life knows how to stay in touch with an emergency communication plan. This plan lists meeting places and alternate ways of communicating in case of emergency.
3. Be A Force of Nature
Inspire others by sharing your weather-ready story on social media with the hashtag #SpringSafety. It can be a simple as posting a photo of your emergency supplies kit or letting your friends know how to reach you during an emergency. Together, we can build a Weather-Ready Nation, one that is ready for any extreme weather, water, or climate event.
SPRING HAZARDS
You are not powerless in the face of extreme weather and water events. Learn about the hazards most common to spring - and some that are threats year-round - and what you can do about them.
- Severe Weather/Tornadoes
Spring is a time when severe weather and tornadoes are a threat for much of the Southeast and Great Plains. Since 2005, 49 states have come under a tornado warning; all 50 states have come under severe thunderstorm warnings; and lightning strikes occur in every state. While tornadoes can strike almost anywhere, the Great Plains is particularly prone to tornadoes in the spring. The 2013 Moore, Oklahoma tornado, which killed 24 people and injured hundreds, struck in May of that year.
What to Do: You may have only minutes to find shelter before a tornado strikes. Practice a family tornado drill at least once a year.
- Floods
Due to snowmelt and heavy rain from thunderstorms, flooding is common across much of the U.S. in the spring. In May of last year, widespread flooding in Texas left 17 dead. Flash flooding is the number one killer associated with severe weather. A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, while two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
What to Do: It’s simple: Turn Around Don't Drown®. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.
- Lightning
In 2015, there were 26 lightning fatalities - five in Florida alone. 62% of fatalities were men. Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Although most lightning occurs in the summer, people can be struck at any time of year.
What to Do: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! No place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area.
- Tsunamis
Since the beginning of the 20th century, 34 tsunami events have caused more than 500 deaths and over $1.7 billion (2015 dollars) in damage to U.S. coastal states and territories. A tsunami can strike any ocean coast at any time. We cannot predict where, when or how destructive the next tsunami will be, however, we can be prepared.
What to Do: If you live, work or play on the coast, prepare for a tsunami by learning about tsunami warnings and evacuation routes.
- Rip Currents/Beach Hazards
Rip currents are powerful currents of water moving away from shore. They can sweep even the strongest swimmer away. Rip currents are deadliest during the spring and summer, claiming the lives of 41 people in 2015 (preliminary figures). They are also south Florida’s deadliest weather-related hazard. Other beach hazards include extreme heat and dangerous waves. Stay safe this Spring Break and year-round.
What to Do: Break the grip of the rip! Check water conditions before going in by looking at the local beach forecast before you leave for the beach and talking to the lifeguard at the beach. Only swim at a beach with lifeguards. The chances of drowning at a beach with lifeguards are 1 in 18 million (U.S. Lifesaving Association).
- Heat
Extreme heat comes early to the Southwest. Last year, Phoenix hit 100 degrees on May 1. Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of deaths each year.
What to Do: During a heat wave, reschedule strenuous outdoor activities for the coolest time of the day, drink plenty of water and spend time in locations with air conditioning.
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