Preparedness

Online Spotter Show Available

Do you know what a shelf cloud is? Do you know the difference between a shelf cloud and a wall cloud? The answers to these questions and others can be found by viewing the online Spotter Show from the National Weather Service in Indianapolis.

This show is targeted at trained spotters looking to refresh their knowledge, but it is simple enough to be understandable by the weather enthusiast. Are you interested in becoming a storm spotter for the National Weather Service? If so, this might be the place to start.

Take a look and let us know what you think. We recommend you view this show with a broadband/high speed internet connection since there are videos included. The show will take about 30 minutes to complete.

If you wish to bookmark this online Spotter Show, the link is: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ind/INDSpotter/player.html

Important Definitions

Watch: Issued when conditions are favorable for a particular severe weather hazard within the next several hours.

Warning: Issued when a particular severe weather hazard is imminent or occurring. Take immediate action to protect life and property.

Severe Thunderstorm/Tornado Safety Basics:

1. Get In:

Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.
Stay Away from doors and windows.

2. Get Down:

Get to the lowest floor possible. Basements are best during tornadic or very high wind situations.

3. Cover Up

4. Remain Calm

More details can be found within this brochure: pdf version text version

Types of Severe Weather:

Tornado: A violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm cloud to the ground. Fujita Tornado Intensity Scale is used to categorize tornadoes.

Severe Thunderstorm: A thunderstorm that produces a tornado, damaging winds of 58 mph or higher, and/or penny size hail or larger.

Hail Sizes:
- Pea Size: 0.25 inches
- Small Marble: 0.50 inches
- Penny: 0.75 inches
- Nickel: 0.88 inches
- Quarter: 1.00 inches
- Half Dollar: 1.25 inches
- Ping Pong Ball: 1.50
- Golf Ball: 1.75 inches
- Hen Egg: 2.00 inches
- Tennis Ball: 2.50 inches
- Baseball: 2.75 inches
- Grapefruit: 4.00 inches
- Softball: 4.50 inches