Tennessee Severe Weather Awareness Week Events

February 24 - February 29, 2008

 

Throughout the week, the National Weather Service, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and other supporting groups will conduct educational activities and drills to help people prevent injuries and deaths from tornadoes, damaging winds, flash floods, lightning, and hail.  Each day of the week focuses on a specific type of severe weather or on the warning and drill system.

 

Sunday, February 24, begins the week by highlighting SKYWARN (Amateur

Radio Volunteers) and the Emergency Managers Weather Information System (EMWIN).

 

Monday, February 25, will look at Severe Thunderstorms.  Damaging winds from severe

thunderstorms are much more frequent than tornadoes in the Mid-South.  These straight line winds can reach well over 100 miles an hour and can be devastating.

 

Tuesday, February 26, will focus on lightning, one of the underrated killers.  All

thunderstorms have lightning and this hazard can be deceptively deadly.

 

Wednesday, February 27, will emphasize Tornado Safety.  Over and over again, people survive tornadic weather by knowing weather safety rules and taking appropriate and timely actions.  A state-wide tornado drill will be conducted on this day.  Schools and state, county, and other

interested agencies are encouraged to participate and help everyone learn life saving rules.  Thursday will be the alternate drill day if adverse weather is expected on Wednesday.

 

Thursday, February 28, draws attention to hazards of Flooding and Flash Floods. 

Flooding is the number one weather killer in the United States.  Flash Floods are most prevalent in the east half of Tennessee while River Flooding is more common in the western sections.

 

Friday, February 29, will be the NOAA Weather Radio and Emergency Alert System Day.

 

Severe Weather Definitions

 

TORNADO WATCH:

Tornadoes are possible in the designated WATCH area.  Remain alert for approaching storms.  Keep track of the latest forecasts and be ready to take cover if severe weather threatens.

 

TORNADO WARNING:

A tornado has been sighted or indicated by Doppler weather radar.  Warnings mean that

severe weather is occurring!!  TAKE COVER IMMEDIATELY!!

 

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH:

Severe Thunderstorms are possible in the designated WATCH area.

 

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING:

Severe Thunderstorms are occurring with large hail and damaging wind.  Move to your planned place of safety.   Severe Thunderstorms occasionally produce tornadoes with little or no warning!! 

 

FLASH FLOOD or FLOOD WATCH:

Flash flooding or flooding is possible in the designated WATCH area.  Be alert.

 

FLASH FLOOD or FLOOD WARNING:

Flash flooding or flooding has been reported or is imminent.  Take necessary precautions at once.

 

URBAN and SMALL STREAM FLOOD ADVISORY:

Flooding of small streams, streets, and low-lying areas such as underpasses and urban storm drains is occurring.  Stay out of flooded areas.