A List of Types of Storms
Severe storms
come in several types. Thunderstorms, hail, blizzards, ice storms, high winds,
and heavy rains can develop quickly and threaten both life and property.
Severe storms can occur in any region, regardless of the season.
Tune in to your local radio or television station
in order to stay up to date on the most current weather reports and
advisories. Keep a battery or crank-powered
radio handy as power failures occur often during severe storms.
Blizzard
- Generally,
a blizzard is a winter storm where winds can reach a speed of over 24 mph
and visibility can be reduced to less than one mile because of the
snowfall or blowing snow. These conditions must last at least three
hours.
- A
blizzard occurs when Arctic winds bring snow, arctic cold, violent winds,
and severe blowing snow that impairs visibility. For the storm to be
considered a blizzard, these conditions must last at least three hours but
may last up to several days.
- Poor
visibility, low temperatures, and violent winds are the most life-threatening
dangers of a blizzard.
- In
the US, blizzards accompanied by violent winds occur more frequently in
meadows.
- The
East coast, the areas near the Great Lakes, the Southern and Western parts
of New York and the states bordered by the Atlantic are particularly
vulnerable to heavy snowfall.
- Black
ice (ice that is transparent and difficult to see) can occur anywhere in
the country but occurs most frequently in New York, the Midwest, and the
states bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.
Hail
- Hailstorms
can happen anywhere in the US but most frequently happen in Montana as
well as in the Southern Plains and Illinois.
- Hailstorms
most frequently occur between May and October. In certain plains areas,
there can be up to ten hailstorms per year.
- A
hailstorm can be a financial disaster for farmers whose crops have been
destroyed, or for those who sustain severe damage to their homes or cars.
- Some
hailstones are as small as peas while others may be as large as
watermelons.
Torrential
Rains (Heavy Rains)
- Torrential
rains can cause flooding. This is especially the case when the
ground is still frozen or saturated from previous storms.
- Torrential
rains are also likely to cause flooding when they coincide with spring
thaw.
Ice
Storm
- Freezing
rain is hard, sticks to most surfaces, and is more slippery than snow.
- In
small quantities, freezing rain can be dangerous but on a larger scale it
can be catastrophic.
Lightning
- Lightning
occurs when air becomes electrically charged during a storm.
- Lightning
can travel as fast as 25,000 miles per second.
Thunderstorms
- Thunderstorms
are often accompanied by violent winds, hail, lightning, torrential rains,
and possibly tornadoes.
- A
thunderstorm usually doesn’t last for more than an hour but a series of
storms can continue for several hours.
Prepare
Yourself
Stock
up on long term food
as well as a flashlight, a crank or battery-powered radio, and extra
batteries. For a complete list of emergency supplies.
When a
violent storm is brewing, the U.S. Weather Advisory Service warnings and
advisories through the radio, television, online, and automated phone
services. (www.noaa.gov)
Storm
Preparation Tips
- When
extreme weather has been announced, anchor anything that can be thrown
around by the wind, whether it is inside or outside your home. When
they are picked up by violent winds, objects like garbage cans and garden
furniture can cause injuries to both people and property.
- If
you live on a farm and raise animals, bring them into the stable and make
sure they have sufficient food and water.
- Cut
down dead tree branches and dead trees in order to minimize the risk of
them falling on your house during a storm.
- If
you’re indoors, stay away from windows, doors, and fireplaces.
- You
and your family should seek refuge in the predetermined location from your
emergency plan.
- If
local authorities ask that you evacuate, do so. Bring your emergency
kit with you.
- Using
an ordinary phone line during a storm carries some risk. Use your
cellular phone instead.
- Never
seek refuge on a boat during a storm. If you were already on the
water when the storm emerged, immediately head to the nearest shore.
Always double-check maritime weather before going out on a boat for the
day and listen to weather reports and advisories while out on the water.
- If
you are in your car, look for a safe location away from trees and
electrical poles. Stay there until the storm begins to clear.
- Generally,
on a farm, the effects of a violent storm on livestock can be alleviated
by displacing the animals to a place where they’ll not have to endure the
storm. If moving the animals is not possible, be sure to shelter the
animals. The approach you choose will depends on the type of storm
you’re expecting.
GET PREPARED - EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS
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