Denver's Severe Weather Week Wrapup

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GRAND JUNCTION CO
600 AM MDT SAT APR 25 2009

...SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK IN REVIEW...
Severe Weather Awareness Week in Colorado concludes today. During the past week we have presented information and safety rules for tornadoes...lightning and wildfires…floods and flash floods... straight-line thunderstorm winds…hail…and NOAA's National Weather Service warning program.

We will now review some of the most important information and safety rules.

Be weatherwise by staying informed on expected weather in your area. NOAA's National Weather Service is typically aware of the potential for severe weather many hours or even days before any severe weather watches or warnings are issued...providing forecast products to heighten your awareness. A Hazardous Weather Outlook is issued daily with information on possible hazardous weather during the next seven days. A Watch is issued when conditions for severe weather or flooding become possible. In contrast...a Warning is issued when life threatening conditions are imminent or occurring.

TORNADOES...

The best way to protect yourself from tornadoes is to have a plan of action. The safest place to be if a tornado approaches is in a basement within a well-built structure...a safe room...or in an underground storm shelter. If none of these options are available ...move to a hallway or a small interior room on the lowest floor... usually this is a closet or bathroom. Get under a heavy piece of furniture or in a bath tub and cover yourself with blankets. Remember...the greatest risk of injury from tornadoes is from flying debris.

Modular homes and mobile homes...even those tied down...offer little protection from tornadoes. If a tornado approaches...you should leave these locations and seek safety in a nearby sturdy building or storm shelter.

If you are driving in open country and see a tornado...if time permits...the best thing to do is simply drive away from the tornado path. Do not take shelter beneath a highway overpass. Wind speeds may actually be higher in these areas and often become collection points for debris. If you are in an automobile and a tornado is fast approaching...move away from your vehicle ...lie face down in a ditch...and cover your head. As a last resort...if you are caught outside and cannot seek shelter inside a sturdy structure...crawl into a culvert or lie down in a narrow dry ditch or ravine and cover your head.

LIGHTNING AND WILDFIRES...

In the last 25 years...lightning has killed and injured more people in Colorado than any other thunderstorm hazard. Lightning also causes many wildfires...especially from thunderstorms that produce little or no rain.

The best defense to protect yourself against a lightning strike is to plan ahead and avoid being caught where you might be vulnerable. Check weather forecasts prior to venturing out...especially if you are heading into the mountains. Plan outdoor activities early in the day before storms develop.

It is recommended that you wait 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before resuming outdoor activities. Stay off corded telephones... away from electrical devices...and away from plumbing. Also get out of shower stalls...bath tubs...swimming pools and lakes when lightning is nearby.

If thunderstorms threaten...seek shelter in a building or in an enclosed metal-roof vehicle...making sure all windows and doors are closed. Never seek shelter under an isolated tree. WHEN THUNDER ROARS...GO INDOORS.

FLOODS AND FLASH FLOODS...

When flooding or flash flooding is possible...you should remain alert and be ready to evacuate to higher ground or climb to safety at a moment’s notice. Flash floods often occur suddenly and without warning. You need to follow some basic flood safety rules...

Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes... particularly during threatening conditions. If you are near a river...be aware of water levels and be prepared to move to higher ground if river levels rise. Do not enter areas that are already flooded. Do not try to cross a flowing stream on foot when the water is at or above your knees. If walking or fishing along a river...be aware that erosion from swift running water can cause river banks to collapse. Never let your children play around high water...storm drains...viaducts or arroyos.

Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle related. While driving your automobile...look out for flooding at highway dips...bridges and low areas. Two feet of moving water will carry away most vehicles. Never attempt to drive across a flooded road. And be especially cautious at night when it is difficult to see flood dangers.

STRONG STRAIGHT LINE WINDS...

Straight-line winds from thunderstorms...including microbursts...can become quite strong...even reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph in extreme cases. When thunderstorms approach...high winds can suddenly develop...causing things on the ground to become swift moving airborne missiles with a potential force to injure or kill. As with any thunderstorm...seek shelter before the storm arrives.

HAIL...

Large hail can pose a danger to animals and people. Hail also produces considerable damage to crops and personal property each year in Colorado. Again...get indoors before thunderstorms arrive. A fall of small hail can suddenly change to a fall of very large ice missiles which can injure or kill. Make efforts to protect personal property before storms threaten.

When thunderstorms threaten...tune to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards ...The Weather Channel...or your local radio or television stations. Also check the internet web site from the National Weather Service office serving your area. During threatening weather days...plan the actions you will need to take so that you will be prepared if dangerous weather conditions actually develop.

NOAA's National Weather Service wishes you a safe severe weather season.

National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office