SEi WEATHER TERMINOLOGY For the purposes of this b Technological Disasters, a community will most likely the low elevation of the con not be underestimated bee hazardous materials incid< military installations, major or bomb threats. Emergency preparedness 1 following is a general chec Planning Consi< □ Identify potential disas Discuss with your fam □ Know how, where and □ Obtain first-aid traininc □ Create a Family Emerc Preparation: □ Store water and food s □ Organize first-aid supp □ Create and store a 72- □ Secure appliances, su Update your emergenc General Forecast Terminology Terms used in our zone and short term forecast program, including sky cover, temperature, wind, probability of precipitation, heat index, and wind chill. Severe Weather Terms Terms used during severe convective weather, including severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flash floods. Winter Weather Advisory Terms Terms used during winter weather advisory situations, and ALERT the public of situations that may cause inconvenience or difficulty to travelers, or for people who must be outdoors. Winter Weather Warning Terms Terms used during winter weather warning situations, and ALERT the public of situations that may cause inconvenience or difficulty to travelers, or for people who must be outdoors. Non-precipitation Weather Terms Terms used to describe weather events not related to precipitation, such as fog and high wind. Hydrologic Terms Terms used in our hydrologic program, including river stages and observations, flooding and flash flooding. Response durin WINTER SEASON TERMINOLOGY 1. STAY CALM. 2. Recognize the type ol 3. Take safety precautio! 4. Check for injuries (pn 5. Check for safety (gas electric lines; turn off safety problems sucr matches or open flan off or on because a 6. Wear laced or stur 7. Tune radio to an erne to find a shelter or ev 8. Use the telephone on 9. Follow your family p information. 10. In public buildings, fc declared safe by the i 11. Report damages or n 14 Winter Storm Watch Adverse winter weather is possible in the watch area. Winter Storm Warning Hazardous winter weather will occur in the warning area. Heavy Snow Snowfall accumulating to 6 inches or more in 12 hours; OR, 8 inches or more in 24 hours. Blizzard The following conditions are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer: • sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 mph or greater; and, • considerable falling and/or blowing snow (frequently reducing visibilities to less than 1/4 mile). Ice Storm Heavy ice accumulations will cause extremely dangerous and damaging situations, such as icy roads and downed power lines. 20 Winter Weather Advisory Winter weather conditions (including snow, blowing snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle) are expected to cause significant inconveniences. Wind Chill Warning Issued when the wind chill is 35 below zero or colder. At minimum, a 10 mph wind should be occurring or forecast. Wind Chill Advisory Issued when the wind chill ranges from 20 below zero to 34 below zero...with a minimum of a 10 mph wind. Freeze Warning Issued when surfacelemperatures are expected to be below freezing for a significant amount of time during the growing season. Frost Advisory Issued when widespread frost is expected during the growing season...generally when temperatures are in the lower to mid 30s, clear skies and light winds are forecast. High Wind Warning Issued for non-convective wind gusts of 58 mph or greater; OR, sustained winds of 40 mph or greater expected to last one hour or longer. Wind Advisory Issued for non-convective wind gusts of 45 mph or greater; OR, sustained winds of 30 mph or greater expected to last one hour or longer. SUMMER SEASON TERMINOLOGY Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch Severe thunderstorms with large hail, damaging winds, and/or tornadoes are possible, but the exact time and location of storm development is still uncertain. A watch means be prepared for storms. Severe Thunderstorm Warning A severe thunderstorm is imminent or occurring; it is either detected by weather radar or reported by storm spotters. A severe thunderstorm is one that produces winds 58 mph or stronger and/or hail 3/4 inch in diameter or larger. A warning means to take shelter. Tornado Warning A tornado is imminent or occurring; it is either detected by weather radar or reported by storm spotters. A warning means to take shelter. Flood Watch Conditions are favorable for flash flooding. A watch means to get prepared for possible flooding. 21 I I