Fall Severe Weather Safety Campaign

Monday's Graphics

Falling leaves and cooler temperatures are a sure sign the fall season is underway. However, this change of seasons can bring strong to severe thunderstorms along with tornadoes, as the atmosphere can become more conducive to more violate weather. Be prepared!

Some strong to violent deadly tornado events have occurred in the fall. Here are a few noteworthy events. Please visit www.weather.gov/pah/events for more information.

Here are some unique facts about fall tornadoes to think about as you work toward updating your preparedness plan for the upcoming fall severe weather season.

Tuesday's Graphics

We often think of spring time as a time for severe weather including tornadoes. While April and May usually bring us the greatest number of tornadoes, we have seen strong to violent tornadoes in the fall months as well. These graphs show the story.

Even though most of the tornadoes in our region occur in April and May, you can see that those months do not correlate with the greatest amounts of deaths. We have seen our greatest amounts of deaths from tornadoes in February and November.

Tornadoes are most likely during the afternoon and evening hours. However, night time tornadoes pose a huge risk for people in our area. Out of the 57 tornado deaths that have occurred, 49 of them occurred with night time tornadoes. Check the weather before heading to bed!

Wednesday's Graphics

Do you know the difference between a watch and a warning?  It is important to know the differences between the two and know how to act when either is issued by your local NWS office.

Do you know what to expect when a severe thunderstorm warning is issued? Not all storms are alike. We send out severe thunderstorm warnings only for storms that have the potential for OR already producing hail the size of quarters or larger and/or wind gusts 58 mph or greater.

NOAA Weather Radios are as important as a smoke detector. They are your first line of defense when it comes to threatening weather. They immediately alert when critical information is issued by your local NWS office. Invest in one today – it might save your life!

Thursday's Graphics

It is important to know your plan of action if a tornado warning is issued. Review these safety tips so you are ready to act when the next tornado warning is issued for your area. Watch this video on what to do when a warning is issued: https://bit.ly/1ytvzEC

Flash flooding causes many death each year, with many of the deaths being preventable. Most flood deaths occur because people make poor choices while driving. Keep these key safety tips in mind when you are out driving near flood waters.

The more prepared you are, the better you will be at dealing with a severe weather situation.  It is crucial that everyone in your household knows the plan and knows how to execute it. 

Friday's Graphics

Many cell phones have the capability to receive certain alerts automatically, such as tornado warnings.  These are called wireless emergency alerts and there are no apps to download to receive these messages. They are sent by authorized government agencies.

Having a cell phone means we are constantly connected to the things going on around us. Make sure the weather is something you are always keeping track of.  Make use multiple ways to obtain the latest information on your device, especially when bad weather is in the forecast.

Weather impacts just about everyone on a daily basis. Many times weather changes quickly and you have to make sure you know what to expect. Connect with the NWS online or via social media for the very latest information.