Spring and summer weather can be unpredictable. When severe weather hits unexpectedly, the risk of injury and death increases, so planning ahead makes sense. Prepare for storms, floods, and tornadoes as if you know in advance they are coming, because in the spring, they very likely will.
Spring especially, is the time of year when many things change—including the weather. Temperatures can swing back and forth between balmy and frigid. Sunny days may be followed by a week of stormy weather. Sometimes extreme weather changes can occur even within the same day.
Summer weather brings more lightning, hail, flash floods, and tornadoes. Knowing what to do when one of these spring/summer storms occurs will allow everyone to enjoy outdoor activities more and may save your life. Know the difference between a weather watch and a weather warning.
Weather Watch: Severe weather is possible within the designated watch area. Be alert!
Weather Warning: Severe weather has been reported or is imminent. Take necessary precautions immediately.
Print your own tornado watch/warning poster.
NOAA Weather Radios
A NOAA weather radio will notify you when a Severe Summer Storm Warning has been issued. These warnings include hail, heavy thunderstorms, flash flooding, and tornadoes. When activated, the radio will emit a siren-like wail to notify you that important weather information is about to be broadcast. The wail is loud enough to wake most persons from a sound sleep and may be the only method of notification when sleeping. The information broadcast is direct from the National Weather Service, is current, and will usually include steps you can take to protect yourself from the impending storm.
Print the Spring/Summer Storms brochure or request copies via our contact form.
Hail Safety
In a car:- Stop driving. If you can see a safe place close-by to drive to (like inside a garage or under a service station awning), do so as soon as you can. Make sure you pull completely off the highway. Do not stop under bridges or overpasses.
- Do NOT leave the vehicle until it stops hailing. Your car will furnish reasonable protection.
- Stay away from car windows. Cover your eyes with something (like a piece of clothing). If possible, get onto the floor face down, or lay down on the seat with your back to the windows. Put very small children under you, and cover their eyes.
- Seek shelter immediately in a sturdy building. Stay inside until the hail stops.
- Stay away from skylights and windows, especially windows that are being struck by hail.
- Account for all family members, building occupants, pets, etc. Do not go outside for any reason. Large hail can cause serious or even fatal injuries. Avoid using phones and electrical appliances during a severe storm to avoid the danger of electrocution from lightning.
- If you are caught outdoors, seek shelter immediately. If you can’t find something to protect your entire body, at least find something to protect your head. Stay out of culverts and lowland areas that might fill suddenly with water. Trees are a last resort. It is common during severe storms for trees to lose branches. Also, large isolated trees attract lightning.
