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Summer Infographics

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How are tornades officially confirmed?

Never Drive Around Barricades

Beware of Floods When Camping

Be Prepared for Debris Flows

You don't know how deep the water is

Prepare for floods before they happen

Don't endanger their lives, too

Stay out of floodwaters

Are you prepared for hurricane season?

Secure your boat before the storm

Storm sheltering? Plan for your pets

Tropical storms can be deadly

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How are tornadoes officially confirmed? National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists at local Forecast Offices apply a careful, thorough process to verify that a tornado actually occurred. Step 1: Gather Information. NWS meteorologists gather damage info from emergency managers, storm spotters, and the public. If you have any pictures or video, please share them with us. Step 2: Plan Storm Survey. Using the information gathered, NWS meteorologists decide which locations to send storm survey teams. The number of teams depends on the extent of damage reports - usually no more than three teams per day. Step 3. Conduct Storm Survey. NWS meteorologists travel to impacted areas to assess damage. Preliminary conclusions can be made about the type and severity of storms using damage indicators. Step 4: Report Conclusions. Once back at the office, NWS meteorologists will assess the data, consult experts, then write summaries and reports of findings. This process can take hours or days.

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Never drive around barricades. Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles. You don't know how deep the water is. Even when the water recedes, the ground may be unstable.

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Understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI). Good is AQI 0-50, no health impacts expected. Moderate is AQI 51-100, very sensitive people may wish to limit outdoor exertion. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups is AQI 101-150, sensitive people should limit outdoor exertion. Unhealthy is AQI 151-200, everyone should limit exertion outdoors. Very Unhealthy is AQI 201-300, sensitive people should avoid all outdoor activity. Hazardous is AQI 301-500, everyone should avoid all outdoor activity.

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Be prepared for debris flows. Heavy rain can cause debris flows in minutes, potentially burying homes. Areas with low vegetation or recent wildfire burns are especially at risk. Have a plan for your family and be ready to follow instructions from local officials. Listen & watch for rushing water or mud or unusual sounds such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.

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Pictured: a car submerged in water next to a sidewalk. Text: You don't know how deep the water is. Turn around, don't drown.

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Prepare for floods before they happen. Flooding can occur any time of year. Are you prepared? Find out if you're in a floodplain. Visit floodsmart.gov to learn more. Determine the roads likely to flood so that you can plan alternate routes. Identify the fastest way to higher ground.

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Pictured: water rescue team member falling into the water. Text: Don't endanger their lives, too. Driving into floodwaters also puts rescuers' lives at risk. Turn around, don't drown.

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Stay out of floodwaters. Floodwaters hide dangers that can cause sickness, injury or even death, including animals and insects, live wires, harmful bacteria, dangerous chemicals, sewage, and sharp objects and debris.

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Are you prepared for hurricane season? Know your risk: water & wind. Prepare before hurricane season. Understand forecast information. Get moving when a storm threatens. Stay protected during storms. Use caution after storms. Take action today. Learn more about what to expect from hurricanes and increase your level of preparedness by visiting weather.gov/hurricane.

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Secure your boat before the storm. Don't wait for a storm warning to secure your boat. Storm surge & wind can carry your boat onshore or out to sea! Stay informed by listening to the weather forecast and plan ahead. Add additional lines to your boat as soon as a Hurricane Watch or Tropical Storm Watch is issued.

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Storm sheltering? Plan for your pets. Not all hurricane shelters accept pets. Plan in advance to take the best care of your pets.

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Tropical storms can be deadly. Even if it's not a hurricane, tropical storms are still dangerous. They can bring heavy rain, which can lead to deadly flooding. Remain vigilant if a Tropical Storm Watch or Warning is issued for your area. Never walk or drive into floodwaters. It only takes 6 inches of water to knock you over and only 12 inches to sweep a car away.

All Summer Hazard Infographics


Air Quality	Flood	Heat	Hurricane	Lightning	Rip Currents	Tornado	Wildfire

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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service
Weather-Ready Nation
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Silver Spring, MD 20910

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