I covered Severe Weather in detail in the linked post. Today I just want to post a refresher, as there are a couple terms that we have all heard but either may not fully understand or, like me, get confused. Those terms are: “watch” and “warning”.
Tornados
Tornado watch — Conditions are conducive to the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area.
Tornado warning — A tornado has been sighted by spotters or indicated on radar and is occurring or imminent in the warning area.
Thunderstorms
Severe thunderstorm watch — Conditions are conducive to the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
Severe thunderstorm warning — A severe thunderstorm has been observed by spotters or indicated on radar, and is occurring or imminent in the warning area
I guess I’ll try to keep it straight by thinking a watch means “Watch out” and a warning mean “You’ve been warned”.
That’s real important stuff down here Chris.
It could be a life or death matter as to whether look up or duck.
In a tornado watch we look up and watch for twisting clouds. In a tornado warning we duck and listen for freight train sounds.
A severe thunderstorm warning here isn’t released until they have gusts or sustained winds in excess of 60 MPH. Not kite flying weather…
A good weather radio (with battery back up and spare batteries) is good to have on hand. My phone isn’t very smart, but you can get smart phone APPs to alert you now too.
Just wish we all had a warning when power was going off!!
Last night there was a bad accident and we were without power for 4.5 hours. It was amazing how quickly things “warmed up,” with this heat and humidity.
My neighbour and I have planned to always help each other out – and we have the extra extension cords ready to string across – as their home is on a different grid than ours. So thankfully the fan was running. BUT once again – even though I thought I had things planned – this small experience – pointed out flaws and some rethinking to do yet again.
Your warnings to do trial runs etc. are very true Ray. Even having flashlites stored – without being stored – I realize – way better to open and charge up – if not the crank kind! I was pleased that the one solar light I have been using, immediately came to the rescue.
I also found corn syrup “on sale” today – so stocked up a few.
Keep up the good work and thanx for all the tips!
Margaret,
There is nothing like a small test run to see where your shortcomings are, at least you were able to have a fan going.
Chris