

		Severe Weather Information Many of us want to believe that a severe storm or tornado will never happen where we live. However severe storms, tornados, and flooding have happened in Waupaca, and they will happen again. This information has been prepared to assist you in knowing what to do in the event of severe weather, tornados, and flash floods. Know the basics of severe weather safety now, so you can Plan to Survive! In the average year, 10,000 severe thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, and over 900 tornados occur across the United States. During the past 10 years, tornados, severe thunderstorms, and flash floods have killed nearly 2,300 people in the United States, and have injured thousands of others. Tornados have been recorded in Wisconsin during every month of the year. Weather definitions and terminology you should know Watch - A watch simply mean conditions are favorable for a severe weather event in or near the watch area. Watches are issued for tornados, severe thunderstorms, and flash floods. A watch means you should be alert for changing weather. Stay tuned to local radio, TV, and NOAA weather radio for updates on changing weather conditions.

Warning –

A warning means that the severe weather event is imminent or is now occurring in the warned area. Warnings are issued for tornados, severe thunderstorms, flash floods, and rover flooding. If a warning has been issued for your area, seek shelter immediately!

Severe Thunderstorm –

A severe thunderstorm is a storm that produces hail ľ inch in diameter or later and/or wind gusts of 58 mph or more.

Tornado –

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air attached to a thunderstorm and in contact with the ground. Tornados can be deadly and devastating storms, with winds up to 260 mph.

Funnel Cloud –

A funnel could is a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud extending downward from a thunderstorm base.

Downburst –

A downburst is a strong downdraft with an out-rush of damaging wind on or near the ground. Downbursts are responsible for most thunderstorm wind damage. Winds may exceed 100 mph in very strong downbursts.

Flash Flood –

A flash flood is a rapid rise in water, usually within 12 hours of a period of heavy rain or other causative agent, such as a dam break. Flash flooding is a major killer. Many flash floods occur at night.

What to do in the event of severe weather

At Home -

The safest place to be during severe weather is underground in a basement, preferably under something sturdy like a workbench. If there is no basement in your home, a small room in the middle of the house, such as a bathroom or a closet, is the safest area. The more walls between you and the outside, the better. Stay away from windows, and cover yourself with blankets to prevent injury from flying debris.

In a Mobile Home -

Residents in mobile homes, even those with tie downs, should seek safe shelter elsewhere at the first sign of severe weather. Mobile homes are vulnerable to damage from high winds. Go to a pre-arranged shelter or talk to a friend or relative ahead of time to see if you can go to their house when the weather turns bad. Talk to park management about the availability of nearby shelters. As a last resort, go outside and lie flat on the ground with our hands over your head and neck. Be alert for flash flooding that often accompanies storms.

In Your Vehicle -

Tornados can toss cars and large trucks around like toys. Never try and outrun a tornado. If you see a funnel cloud or hear a tornado warning issued on the radio or by siren, get out of your vehicle and seek a safe structure, or lie down in a low area with your hands covering the back of your head and neck. Be alert for flash flooding.

At Work or School –

Be aware of emergency shelter plans in office buildings and schools. If a specific shelter area does not exist, move into interior hallways or small rooms on the building’s lowest floor. Avoid areas with glass and wide free-span roofs such as gymnasiums.

At a Store or Shopping Mall –

If you can’t get into a basement or designated shelter, move to the center of the lowest level of the building, away form windows, and lie flat.

Flash Floods –

Do not attempt to drive or walk across a flooded roadway or low water crossing. Nearly half of all flash flood deaths are vehicle related. Moving water two feet deep will carry away most cars.

If you vehicle becomes caught in high water and stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground if you can do so safely. Rapidly rising water may sweep a vehicle and its occupants away. Be especially careful at night when flash floods are harder to recognize.

Lightning –

Lightning occurs in all thunderstorms and is also a significant threat to life. Lightning tends to strike the tallest object in the area, make sure it is not you. Remain in your vehicle or an indoor location whenever possible.

If you must go outside, crouch down to make yourself a poor lighting target. Do not lie flat on the ground since you will be more likely to be severely shocked if lightning strikes close to you.

Hail –

Although large hail rarely causes fatalities, it is the most destructive element associated with severe local storms and can cause considerable property damage. Substantial structures and highway overpasses (out of traffic lanes) offer the best hail protection. Hard top vehicles offer fair protection for hail up to about golf ball size, but significant windshield and auto body damage can result with hail larger than golf balls.

Before Disasters Strike

Regardless of how much time you have to react to a storm, or any disaster, there are things you can do well in advance to prepare. To prepare for any kind of disaster pack a survival kit. This kit should include non-perishable food, a first aid kit, a radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, a container with fresh water, a portable cooking device, extra clothing, including blankets and work gloves. Plan out your shelter and/or evacuation routes in advance.