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Stormy Week Ahead

Tuesday Morning Update:

The Storm Prediction Center has redefined the outlook areas for today and Wednesday. A few storms this afternoon may reach severe limits, mainly with the threat of large hail and damaging winds. The overall severe weather risk remains to the west today but then transitions into our area on Wednesday. Be alert to quickly changing conditions later tonight and during the day on Wednesday. Below is a group of links to severe weather preparedness to get yourself ready at home and work before storms roll into the area. 

Monday Evening Update:

Spring is in full swing and during the heart of severe weather season, a stormy weather pattern is setting up for the next several days. There are a few times where some of these storms will push severe limits and reviewing your severe weather safety plans at home and work will prepare you in the event you need to take quick action. The highest risk for strong storms arrives late on Tuesday and throughout the day on Wednesday as energy from the Central Plains swings into the Mid-South along with a surge of moisture. Damaging winds, isolated tornadoes, and large hail will all be possible with the mid-week round of storms. Additional thunderstorms will be possible over the upcoming weekend, both Saturday and Sunday but the timing is still a bit uncertain. The Storm Prediction Center has included most of the Local 6 area in the Slight Risk area for Wednesday and is shown in the graphic to the right.
Several rounds of showers and storms are expected over the next week. Heavy downpours will also be possible along with the threat of lightning to those who work outdoors. The National Weather Service is projecting about an inch of rain on average by Thursday morning with a few areas picking up more where heavier storms occur. Below is a group of links to severe weather safety preparedness for at work and home so you can be prepared before storms roll into town this week!

Difference between a Tornado WATCH & WARNING:
If there is a tornado watch pay extra close attention to the weather and be ready to act, because tornadoes are possible.  If there is a tornado warning, find shelter immediately, and move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, because a tornado is occurring or will shortly. Avoid windows and cover your head to protect yourself from flying debris.Take Action! Acting early helps to save lives! http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/severeweather/ww.shtml
Weather Radios: Tornadoes can occur at any time of day, making the night time hours particularly dangerous since most folks are asleep. An alarm will sound on the NOAA Weather Radio when a Tornado Warning is issued. Having the radio near your bed will alert you to danger. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/
Severe Weather Plan: Make a severe weather plan before it happens! Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes so it is important to plan in advance: how you will get to a safe place; how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations. To find out how, visit http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
Work Severe Weather Safety: Spring is here and with it comes the possibility of severe weather. Workers and employers can be exposed to unique hazards when rebuilding our communities and businesses, especially during response and recovery operations. OSHA and NOAA encourage employers to stay aware of weather forecasts, train workers on severe weather plans, and keep emergency supplies, including a battery-operated weather radio, on hand to be better prepared.
Tornado Sheltering - Photo courtesy NOAA

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