Heavy rainfall and flooding concerns continue for portions of Texas into the lower Mississippi Valley. Severe thunderstorms are expected to redevelop across areas of western Texas later Saturday. Meanwhile, strong Pacific storm will move ashore this weekend. Increasing winds for many areas of the West and Southwest, heavy precipitation with snow for the higher terrain. Read More >
Overview
Severe Weather Preparedness Week: March 4-8, 2024
Winter Weather Preparedness Week Schedule:
Monday: Winter Weather Terminology
Tuesday: Ice and Safety
Wednesday: Snow and Safety
Thursday: Extreme Cold & Wind Chill
Friday: Make a Plan
Monday: Terminology
Winter Storm Watch vs Warning |
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Facebook: Do you know the difference between a Winter Storm Watch, Advisory, and Warning? A Watch means it's time to get prepared and put your safety kit in the car. An Advisory means you should be aware that travel difficulties are expected and be cautious. A Warning means Dangerous winter weather and considerable travel problems are expected, it's time to take action and change travel plans! Twitter: A Winter Storm WATCH means Get Prepared. A Winter Storm WARNING means Take Action! https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter-ww #WeatherReady Alt Text: A winter storm watch means dangerous winter weather including heavy snow, sleet, or freezing rain is possible in the future. Travel problems are possible. Get Prepared. A winter weather advisory means potentially dangerous winter weather is expected within the next 12 to 36 hours or is occurring. Travel difficulties are expected. Be Aware. A winter storm warning means dangerous winter weather is expected within the next 12 to 36 hours or is occurring. Considerable travel problems are expected. Take Action. |
Wind Chill Watch vs Warning |
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Facebook: A Wind Chill WATCH means Be Prepared: gather extra layers of outdoor clothing and put an emergency kit in the car. A Wind Chill WARNING means Take Action: limit time outside and cover exposed skin when you are outside! weather.gov/safety/cold Twitter: A Wind Chill WATCH means Be Prepared. A Wind Chill WARNING means Take Action! weather.gov/safety/cold #WeatherReady Alt Text: A Wind Chill Watch is issued when very cold air and wind is possible; be prepared! Check the forecast, and be prepared in case a Warning is issued. A Wind Chill Warning is issued when very cold air and wind is expected; take action! Conditions could lead to frostbite or hypothermia. Limit time outside, dress in layers, and cover up exposed skin. |
Tuesday: Ice and Safety
Freezing Drizzle | |
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Facebook: When surface temperatures are below freezing, drizzle will form a thin layer of ice on the roads. This difficult-to-see ice can cause very dangerous travel conditions. When it’s drizzling in the winter, slow down, don’t use cruise control, and keep your distance from other vehicles. Don’t let freezing drizzle sneak up on you! Twitter: Freezing drizzle can cause difficult-to-see ice to form on roads, creating very dangerous travel conditions. When it’s drizzling in the winter, slow down! Don’t let freezing drizzle sneak up on you. #WeatherReady #WinterSafety Alt Text: Viewed from the inside of a car facing the windshield, the windshield is covered in a thin layer of ice making it difficult to see the tail lights of the car in front. Sneaky Winter Hazards: the winter season brings many weather events that can "sneak" up on you. These are weather hazards that cause big impacts and make travel difficult without making big news. Freezing drizzle is a fine layer of ice that may be hard to notice on the road, but it's one of winter's most dangerous types of weather. Safety tips: slow down, don't use cruise control, leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles. |
After An Ice Storm | |
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Facebook: Power outages are common after a big winter storm. If you lose power, make sure to be careful when using alternative heat sources and practice portable generator safety. Never use a gas stove to heat your home. Once you and your family are safe, check in with others in your neighborhood to make sure they are okay. weather.gov/safety/winter Twitter: Safety doesn't stop once the storm ends, stay safe after an ice storm or winter storm with ice by bring careful with heat sources and generators. Learn more at weather.gov/safety/winter #WeatherReady Alt Text: Branches are weighted down with ice and have fallen onto a power line. After the Winter Storm: Power Outage. Be careful with heat sources: candles and space heaters are a fire risk. Stay warm by bundling up and keeping doors closed, placing towels in cracks. Practice portable generator safety: use outdoors, at least 20 feet away from doors/windows/garages to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Follow instructions on proper use. Check on neighbors: Once your family is safe, check on your neighbors and the vulnerable to make sure they are OK. |
Wednesday: Snow and Safety
Shovel Smart | |
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Facebook: Slippery sidewalks and roads aren’t the only things to look out for in late winter and early spring snow storms--shoveling snow can be a health risk as well. Remember to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks, and move only small amounts with each shovel pass. Learn more at weather.gov/winter Twitter: Shoveling snow can be a health risk, so remember to take it easy. Learn more at weather.gov/winter #WeatherReady Alt Text: Shovel Smart! Shoveling heavy, wet snow can cause back injuries and heart attacks. Don't push yourself. Dress warmly, making sure to cover your heat, fingers, and toes. Stay hydrated, but avoid heavy meals right before or after shoveling. Move only small amounts of snow with each pass of the shovel. Take frequent breaks, and stop shoveling entirely if you feel exhausted. |
Ice and Snow, Take it Slow! | |
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Facebook: Winter driving can be hazardous. Slow down to keep yourself and everyone on the road safe. Remember, “Ice and snow, take it slow”. Learn more at weather.gov/safety/winter Twitter: Do your part to keep everyone safe on the roads this winter. Learn more at weather.gov/safety/winter #WeatherReady Alt Text: Ice and snow, take it slow! Each year in the US there are over 1,000 deaths and 100,000 injuries due to vehicle crashes during winter weather. Clean off your vehicle before driving; flying snow from cars causes accidents. Keep it slow and don't use cruise control. Roads can be slick even if they just look wet. Leave extra distance between vehicles; stay especially far from snow plows. |
Thursday: Extreme Cold and Wind Chills
Wind Chill Science | |
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Facebook: Extremely cold air affects millions of people across the United States every winter and even into parts of the spring. This Arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values, which can cause your body to lose heat quickly. Find a heating shelter near you by texting SHELTER and your zip code to 43362 (ex: Shelter 63139) Twitter: Arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values. weather.gov/safety/cold-wind-chill-chart #WeatherReady Alt Text: The Science of Wind Chill. Under calm conditions, the body radiates heat, creating a layer of warmth between our skin and the cold surrounding. A woman wearing boots, pants, a coat, hat and earmuffs sands in a winter scene and appears happy. Her body temperature is 98.6 degrees F (average temperature of the human body). But when it's windy, the moving air breaks up this insulating layer. It speeds up heat loss by whisking away the warmth from our skin. The woman from before now looks uncomfortable as wind moves the heat away from her body. Hypothermia begins when our body temperature drops two to four degrees. |
Staying Warm When It's Cold | |
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Facebook: When extreme cold grips the area it can be difficult to stay warm, even inside. Keep these safety tips in mind: don't use your oven to heat your home, close off rooms to avoid wasting heat, and wear extra layers of clothing. weather.gov/safety/winter Twitter: When extreme cold grips the area it can be difficult to stay warm, even inside. Keep these safety tips in mind: don't use your oven to heat your home, close off rooms to avoid wasting heat, and wear extra layers of clothing. weather.gov/safety/winter #WeatherReady Alt Text: Staying warm when the power is out: close blinds or curtains to keep in some heat. Close off rooms to avoid wasting heat. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Eat and drink: food provides energy to warm the body. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors. Visit weather.gov/winter for more information. |
Friday: Make a Plan
Make a Car Emergency Kit | |
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Facebook: Build an emergency supply kit for your car before snow starts falling! You never know when you will encounter winter weather or an emergency road closure. Keep a crate or bag with your supplies in your trunk. Watch this video for tips on what to do if you're stuck on the road: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcntbNJEcsw Twitter: Build an emergency supply kit for your car before snow starts falling! You never know when you will encounter winter weather or an emergency road closure. Keep a crate or bag with your supplies in your trunk. #WeatherReady Alt Text: Building an emergency supply kit for your car. Why? Because you never know when you will encounter winter weather or an emergency road closure. Your kit should include: Cell phone charger, first aid kit, jumper cables, spare tire, flares, full tank of gas, sand or kitty litter, tow rope, blankets, snow shovel and brush, flashlight, mittens, hat, boots, warm clothes, water, and non-perishable snacks. |
Build an At Home Emergency Kit | |
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Facebook: Pack away supplies in your basement or closet in case a winter storm makes it difficult or impossible for you to leave your home. Make sure to include shoes, extra clothing, three days of food and water, and medications. For more about building an emergency kit visit https://www.ready.gov/kit. For tips on low and no cost preparedness visit https://www.ready.gov/low-and-no-cost Twitter: Pack away supplies in your basement or closet in case a winter storm makes it difficult or impossible for you to leave your home. Make sure to include shoes, extra clothing, three days of food and water, and medications. #WeatherReady Alt Text: America's PrepareAthon! Be smart, take part, prepare. Your at home emergency kit should include the following: medications and assistive technology devices, three days of water and food, flashlight and extra batteries, simple tools like a wrench to turn off water, extra clothes and shoes, important documents, salt for melting snow and ice, a battery powered radio, snow shovel, first aid kit, cell phone charger, and food and water for pets. |
Severe Weather Preparedness Week Schedule
Monday: Have a plan
Tuesday: Lightning Safety
Wednesday: Tornado Safety
Thursday: Thunderstorm Safety
Friday: Flood Safety
Monday: Have a Plan
Have a plan | |
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Facebook: Make a severe weather plan before you need it! Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes so it is important to plan in advance: how you will get to a safe place; how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations. To find out how, visit https://ready.gov/make-a-plan #SpringSafety Photo: FEMA Twitter: How will you stay in touch during a disaster? Make a plan! https://ready.gov/make-a-plan #SpringSafety (photo @fema) #mowx #ilwx Alt Text: Family sitting together working through paperwork. Make a severe weather plan, find out how at ready.gov/make-a-plan. |
Tuesday: Lightning Safety
Chances of being struck by lightning | |
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Facebook: Do you golf, grill, or garden? Each year in the United States, thunderstorms produce 20-25 million lightning flashes that strike the ground, killing an average of 20+ people and injuring hundreds more - often in devastating and permanent ways. weather.gov #mowx #ilwx Twitter: Each year in the United States, thunderstorms produce 20-25 million lightning flashes that strike the ground, killing an average of 20+ people and injuring hundreds more - often in devastating and permanent ways. weather.gov #mowx #ilwx Alt Text: Your chance of being struck by lightning greatly increases when remaining outdoors during a thunderstorm. Lightning can strike from up to 10 miles away. When thunder roars, go indoors! See a flash, dash inside! Some of the activities people were doing when they were recently struck by lightning include: golfing, boating, running, grilling, walking, construction, riding (motorcycles), gardening swimming. |
Wednesday: Tornado Safety
Tornadoes and Road Safety | |
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Facebook: During a tornado, seeking refuge in a vehicle or under an overpass is NOT safe. If you are outside during a tornado warning, the best option is to drive to a designated shelter, basement, or safe room. weather.gov/safety/tornado #mowx #ilwx Twitter: During a tornado, seeking refuge in a vehicle or under an overpass is NOT safe. If you are outside during a tornado warning, the best option is to drive to a designated shelter, basement, or safe room. weather.gov/safety/tornado #WeatherReady #mowx #ilwx Alt Text: TORNADOES AND ROAD SAFETY. 1) What To Do: Get off the road. The best option is to drive to a designated shelter, basement or safe room. The next best option is a small, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. 2) What No To Do: Do not seek refuge in a vehicle, outside or under an overpass. A highway overpass does not provide safety from a tornado. Do not seek shelter under an overpass or a tree. This puts you at greater risk of being killed or seriously injured by flying debris from the powerful tornadic winds. |
Thursday: Hail/Wind Safety
Hail Can Damage Property and People | |
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Facebook: Some thunderstorms can produce hail, balls of ice ranging from pea sized to larger than grapefruits. Hail that is larger than one inch in diameter, about the size of a US quarter, are dangerous to the human body and to property. The best place to be during a thunderstorm and hail is inside, away from windows. #mowx #ilwx Twitter: Some thunderstorms can produce hail, balls of ice ranging from pea sized to larger than grapefruits. Hail bigger than a US quarter dangerous to the human body and to property. The best place to be during a thunderstorm and hail is inside, away from windows. #mowx #ilwx Alt Text: Hail Size Chart - while the National Weather Service encourages the actual measurements of hail size, oftentimes, an object-to-size conversion can provide important information about hail that fall from thunderstorms. Below you will find a list of common objects used to describe the diameter of observed hail. Pea: 0.25 inches. Penny: 0.75 inches. Quarter: 1.00 inches. Ping pong ball: 1.50 inches. Gold ball: 1.75 inches. Lime: 2.00 inches. Tennis Ball: 2.50 inches. Baseball: 2.75 inches. Softball: 4:00 inches. Grapefruit: 4.50 inches. weather.gov |
Your Safe Place from Extreme Wind | |
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Facebook: During high winds, tree damage is expected, and loose objects can become airborne and dangerous. You are safest indoors, away from windows, in an interior room. Stay Weather-Ready and learn more about wind safety: weather.gov/safety/wind #mowx #ilwx Twitter: During high winds, tree damage is expected, and loose objects can become airborne and dangerous. You are safest indoors, away from windows, in an interior room. Stay #WeatherReady and learn more about wind safety: weather.gov/safety/wind #mowx #ilwx Alt Text: Your safe place from extreme wind: during high winds, tree damage is expected. You are safest indoors, away from windows, in an interior room. Prevent damage to your property by trimming loose branches and parking away from trees. |
Friday: Flood Safety
What Weather-Ready Looks Like: Floods | |
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Facebook: What does being Weather-Ready look like? When it comes to flood safety, it means knowing to never drive around barricades or through flooded roads, which are the cause of most flood fatalities. Learn more flood safety tips at weather.gov/safety/flood #mowx #ilwx Twitter: What does being #WeatherReady look like? When it comes to flood safety, it means knowing to never drive around barricades or through flooded roads, which are the cause of most flood fatalities. Learn more flood safety tips at weather.gov/safety/flood #mowx #ilwx Alt Text: What does Weather-Ready look like? During floods: Motorists who never drive around barricades or through flooded roads. |
Survivor Story: Flood | |
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Facebook: "I would have surely lost the vehicle and maybe our lives...just saying 'Turn Around Don't Drown' saved life and property." You never know if the road is even below that muddy water anymore. weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown Twitter: "I would have surely lost the vehicle and maybe our lives...just saying 'Turn Around Don't Drown' saved life and property." You never know if the road is even below that muddy water anymore. weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown #WeatherReady #mowx #ilwx Alt Text: I was driving a half-ton 4x4 which provides some comfort about not getting stuck in the mud. As I drove down the dirt road, I came across a low-water cement bridge. The bridge was completely covered in water, but not deep. I made a critical decision to turn around and drive the long way around to another highway. The next morning the water had receded and there was a huge hole — the water had washed away the dirt where the road met the cement. I would have surely lost the vehicle and maybe our lives…just saying “Turn Around and Don’t Drown” saved life and property. -- Julie, Nashville, TN, 2018 |
Calendario de la semana de preparación
Lunes: ten un plan (Monday: Have a plan)
Martes: Seguridad contra rayos (Tuesday: Lightning Safety)
Miércoles: Seguridad contra tornados (Wednesday: Tornado Safety)
Jueves: Seguridad contra tormentas eléctricas (Thursday: Thunderstorm Safety)
Viernes: Seguridad contra inundaciones (Friday: Flood Safety)
Para obtener más información sobre seguridad climática en español, visite: https://www.weather.gov/wrn/spanish
(For more spanish language weather safety information, please visit: https://www.weather.gov/wrn/spanish)
Lunes: ten un plan
Artículos de Emergencia (Emergency Items) | |
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Facebook: Necesitará acceso fácil a muchos artículos de emergencia en caso de un evento meteorológico extremo. Además de las necesidades básicas de supervivencia, no olvide otros suministros tales como cargadores y productos de higiene, o documentos personales y de propiedad importantes. Tenga una mochila de viaje lista para llevar cosas con usted si necesita irse de prisa. Twitter: Necesitará fácil acceso a muchos artículos de emergencia en caso de tiempo extremo. Además de necesidades básicas de supervivencia, no olvide otros suministros como cargadores y productos de higiene, o documentos personales y de propiedad importantes. #ListoMeteorológicamente Alt Text: Preparación para Condiciones Meteorológicas Extremas: Artículos de Emergencia. Necesidades de supervivencia: equipo de primeros auxilios, medicinas, comida y agua (incluya para las mascotas). Otros suministros: cargadores y baterías, radio, productos de higiene, dinero en efectivo. Documentos importantes: prueba de propiedad, póliza de seguros / médico, identificación personal. Mochila de viaje lista en caso de evacuación. |
Martes: Seguridad contra rayos
Probabilidades de ser impactado por un rayo (Chances of being struck by lightning) | |
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Facebook: Cada año en los Estados Unidos, las tormentas eléctricas producen 20-25 millones de rayos que impactan en el suelo, matando a un promedio de 20+ personas e hiriendo a centenares más - a menudo de manera devastadora y permanente. weather.gov Twitter: Cada año en los Estados Unidos, las tormentas eléctricas producen 20-25 millones de rayos que impactan en el suelo, matando a un promedio de 20+ personas e hiriendo a centenares más - a menudo de manera devastadora y permanente. weather.gov Alt Text: Las probabilidades de ser impactado por un rayo aumentan grandemente cuando se queda al aire libre durante una tormenta eléctrica. Los rayos pueden impactar desde hasta 10 millas de distancia de la tormenta. ¡Cuando escuche el trueno, busque refugio! Si ve un relámpago, diríjase adentro. Algunas de las actividades al aire libre que personas realizaban cuando fueron impactadas por un rayo incluyen: Jugando golf, Parrillando, Andando en moto, Navegando en barco, Caminando, Realizando jardinería, Corriendo, Trabajando en construcción, Nadando. |
Miércoles: Seguridad contra tornados
Tornados y Seguridad Vial (Tornadoes and Road Safety) | |
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Facebook: Durante un tornado, buscar refugio en un vehículo o bajo un puente NO es seguro. Si está al aire libre durante un aviso de tornado, la mejor opción es conducir a un refugio designado, sótano o una habitación segura. weather.gov/safety/tornado #SpringSafety #mowx #ilwx Twitter: Durante un tornado, buscar refugio en un vehículo o bajo un puente NO es seguro. Si está al aire libre durante un aviso de tornado, la mejor opción es conducir a un refugio designado, sótano o una habitación segura. weather.gov/safety/tornado #SpringSafety #mowx #ilwx Alt Text: Tornados y Seguridad Vial Qué Hacer: Salga de la carretera. La mejor opción es conducir a un refugio designado, sótano, o una habitación segura. La siguiente mejor opción es una habitación pequeña o pasillo sin ventanas en el piso más bajo de un edificio seguro. No Qué Hacer: No busque refugio en un vehículo, al aire libre o bajo un puente. Un puente no ofrece protección ante un tornado. No busque refugio bajo un puente o árbol. Esto lo pone en mayor riesgo de perder la vida o herirse gravemente debido a escombros lanzados por el tornado. |
Jueves: Seguridad contra tormentas eléctricas
Las Tormentas Eléctricas pueden escalar rápidamente (Thunderstorms can escalate quickly) | |
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Facebook: Las tormentas y turbonadas pueden tornar el cielo despejado a oscuro rápidamente. Manténgase Listo Meteorológicamente configurando su teléfono para recibir alertas del tiempo, y manténgase seguro dirigiéndose inmediatamente al interior cuando el cielo se torne amenazante. weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm Twitter: Los cielos despejados pueden tornarse oscuros y amenazantes rápidamente, debido a tormentas emergentes o turbonadas. iEsté preparado! weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm Alt Text: Las Tormentas Eléctricas pueden escalar rápidamente. Los cielos despejados pueden tornarse oscuros y amenazantes rápidamente, debido a tormentas emergentes o turbonadas. iEsté preparado! Configure una manera de recibir alertas del tiempo en su teléfono. Cuando se le alerte sobre una tormenta, muévase al interior de un edificio robusto inmediatamente. Manténgase alejado de las ventanas cuando esté adentro. Si no hay edificio cerca, vaya dentro de un vehículo. |
Viernes: Seguridad contra inundaciones
Nunca conduzca alrededor de barricadas (Never Drive Around Barricades) | |
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Facebook: ¡NUNCA conduzca alrededor de barricadas hacia aguas de inundación! Más del 50% de las muertes debido a inundaciones están relacionadas a vehículos. Solo toma 12 pulgadas de agua en rápido movimiento para arrastrar a un auto pequeño con la corriente y 18 pulgadas para llevarse a un vehículo grande. ¡Dé la vuelta, no se ahogue! Twitter: ¡NUNCA conduzca alrededor de barricadas! Más del 50% de las muertes debido a inundaciones están relacionadas a vehículos. Solo toma 12" de agua en rápido movimiento para arrastrar a un auto pequeño y 18" para llevarse a un vehículo grande. ¡Dé la vuelta, no se ahogue! Alt Text: NUNCA CONDUZCA ALREDEDOR DE BARRICADAS. La mayoría de las muertes ocurren en vehículos. Usted no sabe cuán profunda está el agua. Incluso cuando el agua retrocede, el terreno puede estar inestable. |
Severe Weather Preparedness Week Schedule
Monday: Have a plan
Tuesday: Lightning Safety
Wednesday: Tornado Safety
Thursday: Thunderstorm Safety
Friday: Flood Safety
More resources for those who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing: https://www.weather.gov/wrn/dhh-safety
Monday: Have a Plan
Tuesday: Lightning Safety
Wednesday: Tornado Safety
Thursday: Thunderstorm Safety
Friday: Flood Safety
What Weather-Ready Looks Like: Floods | |
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Facebook: What does being Weather-Ready look like? When it comes to flood safety, it means knowing to never drive around barricades or through flooded roads, which are the cause of most flood fatalities. Learn more flood safety tips at weather.gov/safety/flood #mowx #ilwx Twitter: What does being #WeatherReady look like? When it comes to flood safety, it means knowing to never drive around barricades or through flooded roads, which are the cause of most flood fatalities. Learn more flood safety tips at weather.gov/safety/flood #mowx #ilwx Alt Text: What does Weather-Ready look like? During floods: Motorists who never drive around barricades or through flooded roads. |
Survivor Story: Flood | |
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Facebook: "I would have surely lost the vehicle and maybe our lives...just saying 'Turn Around Don't Drown' saved life and property." You never know if the road is even below that muddy water anymore. weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown Twitter: "I would have surely lost the vehicle and maybe our lives...just saying 'Turn Around Don't Drown' saved life and property." You never know if the road is even below that muddy water anymore. weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown #WeatherReady #mowx #ilwx Alt Text: I was driving a half-ton 4x4 which provides some comfort about not getting stuck in the mud. As I drove down the dirt road, I came across a low-water cement bridge. The bridge was completely covered in water, but not deep. I made a critical decision to turn around and drive the long way around to another highway. The next morning the water had receded and there was a huge hole — the water had washed away the dirt where the road met the cement. I would have surely lost the vehicle and maybe our lives…just saying “Turn Around and Don’t Drown” saved life and property. -- Julie, Nashville, TN, 2018 |
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