Fall Brings the Risk of More Tornadoes to our Region Tornadoes have caused loss of life and much destruction in our region during the fall season. Late September through October and much of November typically bring more favorable conditions for tornadoes and other severe thunderstorm events such as large hail and damaging thunderstorm winds. This increase is driven by a more dynamic atmosphere that occurs during the fall transition to cooler temperatures. This transition period sometimes yields low pressure systems and their associated frontal systems that can provide an environment favorable for severe thunderstorms, including tornadoes. Some stark reminders of our fall tornado threat include: * September 22-23, 2006; 10 tornadoes struck our region, including an EF4 in Perry county, MO and Jackson county, IL. * October 18, 2007; 16 tornadoes struck our region including an EF3 tornado in Owensboro, KY. Twenty two were injured. * October 31, 2013; a record tornado outbreak in our region for October with 17 tornadoes. * November 6, 2005; An EF3 tornado developed near Smith Mills, KY before killing 25 in the Evansville, IN area. * November 15, 2005; An EF4 tornado struck the Madisonville, KY area, injuring 27 with the longest track KY tornado (EF3) in decades striking Marshall and adjacent counties. * November 17, 2013; An EF3 tornado kills 3 people in/near Brookport Illinois. As a result, it is vital that you be prepared as we progress through the fall tornado season. Each day this week we will discuss a variety of topics in preparation of our fall severe weather season. For additional information see weather.gov/paducah and nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation. ...Fall Tornado Risk Reminders... With the increasing risk of tornadoes this fall, it is important to remember these steps of being prepared. 1. Keep informed of the latest weather forecasts, and be prepared to respond anytime a warning is issued or severe weather threatens. 2. Have a severe weather kit. This includes such things as plenty of drinking water, non-perishable foods, and a battery powered radio. 3. Ensure your weather radio is turned on, has fresh batteries, and is programmed correctly. 4. Have a plan of action for whenever a tornado warning or severe thunderstorms warning is issued for your area. Know where you will go. 5. Get involved. There are numerous opportunities whereby you can help your community be more prepared for severe weather. Contact your local emergency management office for more information. The following is a list of resources to help with the above actions: nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation nws.noaa.gov/safety.php ready.gov kyem.ky.gov/preparedness ...Be Informed - Make a Plan - Build a Kit - Get Involved... ..Make a Plan... With the annual risk of severe thunderstorms each fall it is vital that you have a plan. A key part of this plan should be when and where to shelter anytime tornadoes and other severe thunderstorm hazards threaten. The most interior, smallest room on the lowest floor of a home or other structure generally provides the best protection from flying debris. Injuries from debris cause most casualties, so regardless of where you shelter you should do so under tables, mattresses etc. to further protect yourself from flying debris. Rooms used for sheltering should be windowless. Basements and storms shelters generally provide the best protection. Your plan should also include key components such as having communication capability, and having a kit. For more information on severe weather preparedness, see nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation kyem.ky.gov/sw/pages/default.aspx Find severe weather warnings for our region at crh.noaa.gov/pah ...Be Informed - Make A Plan - Build A Kit - Get Involved... ...Build A Kit... A disaster supplies kit is simply a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment`s notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them. You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water, and supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days. Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephone may be cut off for days or even a week, or longer. Your supplies kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages. For lists of supplies and more information visit these sites. ready.gov/build-a-kit redcross.org/prepare ...Warning Reception via NOAA Weather Radio and Mobile Phone Alerts... NOAA Weather Radio, the voice of the National Weather Service, broadcasts continuous weather and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can access round-the-clock weather reports, warnings, and other information to help you prepare for the day ahead over NOAA Weather Radio. During emergencies, routine broadcasts are interrupted for watches, warnings, and other critical information. You will sleep better knowing that your family can receive emergency weather information no matter what time it occurs. All families, businesses, churches, and individuals should have a NOAA weather radio to ensure they receive warnings. Make sure the weather radio you purchase has SAME Code capabilities. SAME (Specific Area Messaging Encoding) allows programmers to enter the 6-digit code of the counties for which you want to be warned. You should also remember to keep your unit on at all times, change out batteries twice a year (for ease of remembering, change them when you change the time on your clocks in the spring and fall), and keep it plugged into a power outlet unless you move to your designated safe place. Another excellent way to receive weather warnings is via mobile phone alerts. Americas wireless industry is helping to build a Weather-Ready Nation through a nationwide text emergency alert system, called Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), which will warn you when weather threatens. You can find much more information on this at: nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/wea.html For severe weather preparedness information see: nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/severe.html
Posted on: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 20:45:44 +0000
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