Spring Severe Weather Awareness and Preparedness Campaigns 2024

General Weather Safety:

Severe weather safety awareness campaigns are underway in our region.  We will be highlighting the campaigns by providing practical safety information. Spring can bring stronger weather systems which can bring severe weather. Be prepared!

When it comes to severe weather safety - awareness, personal responsibility and response are paramount. The NWS always maintains a constant watch in order to provide you continual updates, so you can always have the very latest information to make the best decisions possible.

Do you know the difference between a watch and a warning? Learn the difference between a tornado watch and warning in this short video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3V3HZBs1Y4

There are many things you can do to help prepare yourself for a severe weather event. These lists are a great way to start preparing for potential hazardous weather. 

Tornado Statistics

Looking at statistics, the number of tornadoes in our region really ramps up as we head into April and May. Be prepared for the possibility of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes this upcoming spring season!

As we have learned, tornadoes are most common in this area during the months of April and May. However, the spring months are also a time when we can see strong to violent tornadoes. These graphs show our past history of EF2 and stronger tornadoes.

80% of the tornadoes that have impacted our region have been in the EF0 or EF1 category. For a look at the tornadoes that have impacted YOUR county, scan the QR code to check out our interactive tornado track maps.

Tornado Safety

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

Debris from tornadoes turns into deadly projectiles which causes injuries and deaths during tornadoes. Taking shelter quickly when a warning is issued remains critical to preventing causalities along with other protective measures such as laying low to the ground.

If you are driving when a tornado warning is issued or if you see a tornado, this graphic illustrates what to do and what not to do.

Thunderstorm Safety

When a severe thunderstorm warning is issued for your county, do you know what that means? Many people do not realize severe thunderstorms have specific criteria. Next time a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, make sure you know what to expect.

If your area is under a severe thunderstorm warning, large hail and/or damaging winds are expected. Go inside a sturdy building on the lowest floor and away from windows.

A thunderstorm does not need to be strong or severe in order to produce deadly lightning. Not everyone that is struck by lightning is killed but lifelong medical issues are very common. There is no safe place outdoors during a thunderstorm.

When thunder roars, go indoors! There is no safe place outside during a thunderstorm.

Outdoor Weather Safety

Weather impacts just about everyone on a daily basis. Spending time outdoors makes you especially vulnerable to hazardous weather. Make sure you know what to expect by checking various sources before you leave the house. Connect with the NWS online or via social media for the very latest information.

No one should rely on sirens as their sole source of warning notification. Sirens are NOT activated by the NWS but by city or county officials. If you hear sirens blaring, seek additional information about the threat.

Most boaters can’t wait to get back on the water when the weather warms up. Be prepared for thunderstorms and have a plan of action if one threatens.

Flooding Safety

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.

No one is immune to the dangers that lurk underneath a flooded roadway. Make the right choice when it comes to flooded roads - turn around and find an alternate route.

Be aware of potential flooding if camping outdoors. Flash flood warnings are issued when flooding is happening or is expected to happen.

Staying in the know

Did you know there are 122 NWS forecast offices across the country? This map shows all of the NWS offices that serve the mid-Mississippi and Lower Ohio River Valleys. Know what county you live in so you can turn to your local NWS for the very latest information.

The National Weather Service has several ways to help you keep up to date on the very latest weather information. Check out our website, NOAA Weather Radio, social media platforms or our mobile app.

For the latest information from the NWS, check out our mobile weather page. It can be saved as a bookmark on your mobile device to quickly check the weather when you need it.

Receiving Weather Alerts

There are many different ways to receive weather alerts for your area. Choose multiple ways to obtain these alerts for maximum awareness and safety.

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!

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.

Weather Emergency Planning

Many times, you have very little time during a severe weather event to act, let alone to try and make crucial decisions. Set aside time now to put a plan together and practice that plan ahead of the next severe weather event.

Having a plan is important in times of emergency and this includes building an emergency preparedness kit before a disaster. Be sure to include enough supplies to last at least three days and keep your items in easy to carry containers such as a plastic bin or duffel bag.

One important part of planning when it comes to severe weather, including tornadoes, is knowing ahead of time where the safest shelter is and locations that are not safe. Take some time now to decide to plan on where your safe shelters are located.

Nighttime Tornadoes

According to local tornado statistics, tornadoes are most likely during the afternoon/evening hours in this area. Night time tornadoes pose a huge risk. Out of the 119 tornado deaths, 101 of them occurred with night time tornadoes. Always check the weather before heading to bed!

Do what you can to be better prepared for any severe weather that occurs during the overnight hours. If you are under a threat for severe storms and are awoken by an alert through your phone or weather radio, get up and put your plan into action.

Special attention is needed for any severe weather that is forecast during the overnight hours. If you are aware of ongoing severe weather that will impact someone you know, contact them so they are aware of the threat.