Severe Weather Awareness
The Governor of Texas annually proclaims the last week of February as Severe
Weather Awareness Week in Texas. Generally speaking the months of March through
May tend to be severe weather season in the State and this proclamation is designed to
alert all residences to get prepared for the possibility of severe storms to include the
possibility of tornadoes.
Background: The State of Texas is still first in the nation for tornadoes and flash
flooding, and we are second in the nation for hurricanes. Needless to say, severe
weather posses one of our greatest risks for a potential disaster, primarily because we
have to deal with it year around. Severe storms can even occur in the Wintertime as you
probably know from the news over the past few weeks. We can have freezing
temperatures one day and wear shorts the next day! Fortunately severe weather never
seeks up on us thanks to are friends at the National Weather Service who issue weather
watches and warnings. Here in South Texas, Springtime always marks the start of
severe weather season and thus the annual proclamation of Severe Weather Awareness
Week.
Springtime and Severe Weather: During the period from March to early June, conditions
in South Texas are most favorable, especially in the late afternoons and evenings, for
severe weather to develop in the region. Moist air from the Gulf meets with cold air aloft
and this creates a good chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. On occasion
these storms have so much energy that thunderstorms, called super cells form quickly
and they can produce very heavy rainfall, large hail, damaging winds, dangerous
lightning, and the potential for tornadoes. These storms system tend to move across
the San Antonio area from the West or Southwest, which is actually good for us here in
Live Oak. Many times they lose some of their energy over the San Antonio Metropolitan
area, but, not always. Storms that approach from the North or Northeast require
considerable watching. The tornado that destroyed Jarrell, Texas a few years ago
moved from the Northeast to the Southwest.
Weather Watches and Warnings: The two most frequent weather bulletins issued by the
National Weather Service are watches and warnings.
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Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for a certain type of weather to
occur.
Warnings are issued when this type of weather is occurring now!
NOAA Weather Radios: A very useful item to have at home is a NOAA Weather Radio,
available from most electronics stores. They are relatively inexpensive and they can
alert you when weather bulletins are issued anytime of the day or night. The newer
models now on the market also receive broadcasts from the Emergency Alert System
(EAS), to include Amber Alerts. On occasion, severe weather events occur late at
night, especially during the latter part of Spring and early Summer. A weather alert radio
could save your life. In addition, you can obtain the current weather forecast from the
Austin/San Antonio Weather Service Office anytime you want. If you want to check one
out, stop by the emergency management office in the fire station for a demonstration.
Local Television Weather Forecasts: I think all of us watch the TV weather folks and
overall their forecasts are pretty good. They all use various weather forecast computer
programs and they vary. Many times their programs disagree and they make the best
guess. As such, the forecast that Jennifer, Bill, or Steve made last night may differ from
the morning forecast completely. The Weather Channel is a very good source for
current weather however their forecasts cover a wide area.
Severe Weather Preparedness Tips: When severe weather threatens there are several
precautions you can take, depending on the type of weather predicted.
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Flash Flooding: When heavy rainfall is predicted, a “Flash Flood Watch or
Warning” maybe issued by the National Weather Service. The biggest threat here
is low water crossings can fill up quickly posing a serious danger. If you have to
cross a low water crossing on a daily basis, plan an alternate route around it.
Remember the slogan – “Turn Around – Don’t Drown!”
Severe Thunderstorms: When severe storms are forecast a watch or warning will
be issued, and these need to be taken seriously. A severe thunderstorm can
produce very heavy rainfall, large hail, damaging winds, dangerous lightning, and
even tornadoes. The safest place to be is indoors and it is a very good idea to
monitor the weather forecast for changing conditions. Large hail and straight line
winds can cause significant damage, and lightning can be deadly. If you hear
thunder get indoors. A new slogan has just come out on thunderstorms. “When
Thunder Roars – Stay Indoors!” Good advice.
Lightning: Every year, lightning claims over two hundred lives, and hundreds more
receive severe – life changing injuries. Once again, the safest place to be is
indoors. If you are caught outdoors look for shelter but be careful what you
choose. Stay away from any metal objects and look for the lowest spot. Don’t be
the highest point on the landscape. A drainage ditch, culvert or under a bridge are
all good. If you cannot find any cover, find a low spot and get on the ground and
into a ball. Don’t lie flat on the ground! You want to make yourself as small as you
can be. If you are caught outdoors and suddenly feel your body tingle drop to the
ground immediately as you’re about to be struck. Getting on the ground could
save your life.
Tornadoes: A tornado is natures most violent weather event. Any severe
thunderstorm can spawn a tornado, sometimes with little warning, and therefore
when conditions are favorable, a tornado watch is issued. Some basic rules to
remember are tornadoes generally move from the Southwest to the North or
Northeast, and they do NOT move in a straight line. If a warning is issued, you
need to take cover immediately. In a residential home, the safest place is on the
first floor, in the center of the structure. Good locations are hall closets or
bathrooms. Always stay away from windows and don’t open them either. Get
down on floor and cover your head. The sound of an approaching tornado has
been compared to a jet engine. If you’re outdoors, find shelter or find a place to
hide. Get out of your car and into a drainage ditch or culvert. Do NOT go under an
overpass, as you could be sucked out. It is not a good idea to try an outrun a
tornado either, as they can change directions quickly and you may not be able to.
For additional information regarding the weather visit the Austin/San Antonio Office of
the National Weather Service web site at www.srh.noaa.gov/ewx.
Prepared by Gary L. Woppert, Emergency Management Coordinator