Are you prepared for the next severe weather event? Understanding the intricacies of severe thunderstorm warnings, watches, and advisories is not just prudent; it's a matter of safety, potentially the difference between life and property damage.
The National Weather Service provides critical updates on current and forecasted severe weather conditions across the U.S. You can access detailed information on watches, warnings, and advisories for thunderstorms and other hazards by clicking on the interactive map. This resource is essential for staying informed and taking appropriate action.
For example, on Monday, April 28th, a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms was forecast. An outbreak of severe weather was likely across portions of the Midwest and Upper Midwest, with the potential for large hail, severe wind gusts, and even strong to intense tornadoes. Such forecasts highlight the dynamic nature of weather patterns and the need for constant vigilance.
The following table provides a comprehensive overview of how to access and interpret severe weather information. This table format is designed for easy integration into platforms like WordPress.
Category | Details |
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Severe Weather Alerts | Find the latest severe weather alerts, watches, and advisories for the U.S. and the world on dedicated webpages. |
Interactive Maps | View maps of lightning strikes, thunderstorm forecasts, and regional severe weather maps. These visual aids offer a dynamic understanding of ongoing conditions. |
Types of Alerts |
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Past Weather Data | Access past weather information for climate monitoring, including monthly temperature records, astronomical data, and certified weather data. |
Warning Definition | A warning is the most severe alert for thunderstorms. People should seek shelter immediately if a warning is issued. |
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Criteria | Issued when a severe thunderstorm is occurring or is imminent. Defined by:
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Tornado Watch | Issued when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible. |
For a real-time example, consider the severe thunderstorm warning issued at 11:01 PM CDT. A severe thunderstorm was located 14 miles southwest of the Terrell County Gas Plant, or 15 miles north of Dryden, moving southeast at 10 mph. This specific example highlights the need for localized information and the importance of staying informed about your immediate surroundings.
Thunderstorms, while a global phenomenon, are particularly severe in the United States. They can unleash tornadoes, hail, damaging winds, lightning, and floods. NOAA forecasters work tirelessly to predict and warn the public about these dangerous storms. Their work is crucial for protecting lives and property.
NOAA scientists conduct extensive research to improve forecasting models and enhance public safety measures. A severe thunderstorm is officially defined as a storm that is capable of producing hail that is an inch or larger or wind gusts of 58 mph or greater.
The Fox Weather severe thunderstorm warning map can be a crucial resource for staying safe during severe weather events. This map provides a visual representation of the areas under threat.
The Midwest Derecho on August 10, 2020, serves as a stark reminder of the destructive potential of severe thunderstorms. The damage threat from high winds in such events is classified as destructive, necessitating heightened awareness and preparedness.
Currently, scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to persist over the central to southern High Plains. This weekend, this brings with it a severe weather and flash flooding threat. Simultaneously, a late-season storm is forecast to bring low-elevation rain and high-elevation snow to portions of California, Nevada, and Oregon throughout the weekend. This showcases the diverse range of weather events occurring simultaneously across different regions.
To monitor the risk of tornadoes, use the tornado tracker map. This tool allows you to see if a tornado might be headed your way. During a severe thunderstorm warning, the most critical action is to seek immediate shelter in a secure location.
If you hear a severe thunderstorm warning, go to your secure location. Damaging wind or large hail may be approaching. Take your pets with you if time allows, ensuring their safety as well. In your workplace or school, stay away from windows if damaging wind or large hail is approaching. Avoid large open rooms, where you are more vulnerable.
Severe thunderstorm warnings, like tornado warnings, are storm-based warnings. This means that warnings are issued in a polygon shape for either an individual storm or a line of storms. These warnings will include the storm's location, the towns that will be affected, and the primary threat associated with the warning.
For official warning areas, search for storm-based warnings by point, as the National Weather Service (NWS) issues them as polygons. You can specify a point on the map by dragging the marker to your area of interest. The grid will update, providing a listing of storm-based warnings.
Additional Resources | Details |
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Regular Forecast Checks | Check the forecast regularly to assess your risk of severe weather. |
Local News & NOAA Radio | Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. |
Community Warning Systems | Know how your community sends warnings, including outdoor sirens, which some communities use. |
NWS Forecast Office | Severe weather watches and warnings, along with winter weather watches/warnings, are available from the National Weather Service Twin Cities Forecast Office (and other regional offices). |
Warning Imminence | A severe thunderstorm warning means that a severe thunderstorm is imminentit is occurring or is about to occur. |
Issuing Authority | Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued by the local National Weather Service offices. |
Scope of Warnings | Tornado and severe thunderstorm watches are issued across the U.S., highlighting the widespread nature of these hazards. |
Remember, preparedness is key. Regular forecast checks, staying informed through local news and NOAA Weather Radio, and knowing your community's warning systems can make a significant difference in protecting yourself and your property during severe weather. The National Weather Service and other agencies provide a wealth of resources to keep you informed and safe. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and be prepared.