SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK 2009

As we move closer to Spring, the threat of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes returns.  The Governor's office declared the week of March 1-7, 2009, as Severe Weather Awareness Week in North Carolina.

Looking back at 2008, North Carolina was struck by some of the most violent storms experienced in the last ten years.  In fact, North Carolina ranked fourth in the nation last year in the overall amount of severe weather experienced - falling behind Texas, Kansas, and Missouri. 

A number of deadly tornadic supercell thunderstorms struck the state resulting in as many as ten strong-to-violent tornadoes rated on the Enhanced Fujita Scale as EF2 and higher with winds in excess of 130 mph.  These tornadoes claimed three lives, injured dozens more, and left many families homeless resulting in over 15 million dollars in damages.

Many severe storms and tornadoes strike at night as most people are sleeping — catching individuals off guard, despite warning lead times averaging 20 minutes. These night-time monsters have a history of being particularly deadly in North Carolina. A recent study of tornadoes found that North Carolina is ranked FIRST IN THE NATION with the greatest percentage of killer night-time tornadoes.

The National Weather Service is encouraging individuals to plan ahead for disasters.  If you are prepared, your planning and reactions to an emergency can ultimately save your life and someone elses.

When a warning is issued, "Get In, Get Down, and Cover Up."

• Get In - Get as far inside a strong building as you can and stay away from windows which can easily break during strong winds or from flying debris.
• Get Down - Get as low as possible by going to the lowest floor.  A basement or underground shelter is best, if available.  By crouching down, you are minimizing the possibility of being hit by flying debris.
• Cover Up - Cover yourself (especially your head) with a pillow, blankets, or even a mattress to further protect yourself from flying debris.  If possible, get beneath a workbench or table.

BEFORE severe weather threatens:

• Learn about severe thunderstorms and tornadoes and what kinds of damage they can produce and the dangers they present.
• Have an emergency action plan for both your home and your workplace.  Know where you will go if a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued.
• Know what county you live and work in and where within your county you are located.  Severe weather warnings are issued by county or a section of a county (northern Forsyth County, for example)
• Before heading outdoors for an extended time, check the latest forecasts.  If the risk of threatening weather is high, you may wish to postpone your plans.
• Make sure you always have access to a reliable source of weather information.  A battery-powered NOAA weather radio will always provide you with the very latest weather information, including watches and warnings, and radios with an alarm feature will automatically alert you of any watches or warnings issued.

WHEN a tornado warning is issued or a tornado is approaching:

• Move to a predesignated shelter such as a basement, bathroom, or closet in a home or building.
• Move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture if an underground shelter is not available.
• In a large building such as a shopping center, go to the designated shelter area or to a small reinforced area within the building such as a restroom.  Avoid areas with a large roof expanse as they have a tendency to collapse under the stress of a tornado or downburst winds.
• Stay away from windows.
• Do NOT stay in a vehicle.  Do NOT try to outrun a tornado in your car.  Go to a safe shelter if available or get into a ditch and protect your head with your hands.
• Be aware of flying debris.  Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
• Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned.  Go to a reinforced shelter immediately.

A thunderstorm is classified as SEVERE if it produces:

• Hail 3/4" or greater (about the size of a penny)
• Winds gusting in excess of 50 knots (about 58 mph)
• A tornado

The National Weather Service has prepared daily bulletins with valuable information included in them.  Look them over.  You may also distribute or post them in common areas for others to see.  Information in them could save a life!

Severe Weather Awareness Week 2009 Overview [pdf/25kb]
Severe Weather Tip for_Monday, March 2,_2009 [pdf/11kb]
Severe Weather Tip for Tuesday, March 3, 2009_[pdf/10kb]
Severe Weather Tip for_Wednesday, March 4,2009 [pdf/11kb]
Severe Weather Tip for Thursday, March 5, 2009 [pdf/9kb]
Severe Weather Tip for Friday, March 6, 2009 [pdf/12kb]