Severe weather should always be taken seriously, and knowing how to prepare for severe weather can help keep you and others safe.
The type of severe weather you may experience depends on where you live. Some regions are prone to hurricanes, while others face tornadoes, blizzards, or flash floods. No matter the weather event, staying informed and having a plan in place is essential.
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Types Of Severe Weather
Preparedness strategies depend on the type of weather event. The most common severe weather threats include thunderstorms, blizzards, tornadoes, high winds, floods, hurricanes, and extreme heat or cold. Regardless of the event, pay close attention to advisories, warnings, and evacuation notices.
Severe Thunderstorm
A severe thunderstorm produces winds over 58 mph or hail at least one inch in diameter. These storms can also bring heavy rain, lightning, and dangerous debris.
To stay safe:
- Seek shelter indoors or inside a car with a roof.
- Avoid driving in high winds and heavy rain.
- Stay away from water and electronics to reduce the risk of lightning strikes.
- Watch for fallen power lines after the storm.
Blizzard
A blizzard is a snowstorm with winds over 35 mph and visibility under 1/4 mile for at least three hours. Poor visibility and icy conditions make travel extremely dangerous.
To prepare:
- Stock up on food, water, and essentials before the storm.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, a flashlight, and non-perishable snacks.
- If you get stuck on the road, keep snow away from your exhaust to prevent exhaust from entering your car.
- Clear doorways of excessive snow buildup.
- Check windows and doors for insulation to keep heat indoors.
Tornado
A tornado is a rotating column of air that extends from a storm cloud to the ground, causing destruction in its path. Tornadoes vary in strength, with EF5 tornadoes being the most severe.
To stay safe:
- Look for signs of a tornado, such as funnel clouds or a loud rumbling sound.
- Seek shelter in a basement or a windowless interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
- Have an emergency kit with flashlights, a dust mask, and first aid supplies.
- Secure outdoor furniture and objects that could become airborne.
- Stock up on non-perishable food and water in your safe space.
High winds can cause severe damage even without a tornado. Read our guide on when it’s too windy to drive.
Flood
Floods occur when excess water overflows onto dry land, often caused by heavy rain, melting snow, storm surges, or dam failures. Flash floods are particularly dangerous because they develop rapidly.
To prepare:
- Create an evacuation plan for both flash floods and rising floodwaters.
- Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights and first aid supplies.
- Help your community place sandbags in flood-prone areas.
- Follow evacuation orders immediately; don’t wait until it’s too late.
- Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, as currents can be stronger than they appear.
Hurricane
Hurricanes are massive tropical storms with sustained winds of at least 74 mph. These storms bring extreme winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous storm surges that cause flooding.
To prepare:
- Assemble an emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, flashlights, and medical supplies.
- Know your evacuation route and have a planned destination.
- Secure outdoor furniture and items that could become dangerous projectiles.
- Board up windows to prevent glass from shattering due to flying debris.
- Use sandbags if you live near water to help reduce flood damage.
Extreme Heat And Cold
Extreme temperatures can be just as dangerous as storms. Heatwaves can cause heatstroke, dehydration, and power outages, while extreme cold can lead to frostbite and hypothermia.
To stay safe:
- Wear appropriate clothing: light, breathable fabrics in heat and insulated layers in the cold.
- Stay hydrated in hot weather by drinking plenty of water.
- Enter temperature-controlled environments when conditions become extreme.
Learn in our guides about when it’s too hot to be outside and when it’s too cold to be outside.
Severe Weather Safety Tips
The key to severe weather preparedness is staying informed and having a plan. Some general steps to enhance your safety include:
- Monitor forecasts through a reliable source like local weather stations or a personal weather station.
- Have an emergency plan, including designated shelter locations and evacuation routes.
- Keep an emergency kit stocked with essentials, including food, water, a flashlight, and first aid supplies.
- Charge your phone and portable power banks before a storm to stay connected.
Get Accurate Weather Forecasts With The Tempest Weather System
Preparedness starts with staying informed. Each severe weather event requires a specific plan, but the most important step is to stay ahead of weather alerts.
For the most accurate local weather updates, the Tempest Weather System provides real-time data and alerts sent directly to your phone. It helps you track severe weather conditions, ensuring you and your loved ones are always prepared.
Stay informed and stay safe. Invest in the Tempest Weather System today!