National Weather Service Urges Preparedness as Second Storm Season Approaches

by Anita Foster, Chief Communications Officer, American Red Cross North Texas 

As we saw with the tornadoes and storms that hit the Great Plains this past weekend, severe weather isn't just for spring. In fact, we're entering into what’s known as the second severe storm season of the year. Yes, there really is a second storm season! To learn more about this topic and others, I sat down with Tom Bradshaw, Meteorologist in Charge, at the National Weather Service in Fort Worth, Texas for a conversation about—well, the weather. 

Tom Bradshaw, Meteorologist in Charge, NWS

Winds & Floods

“People need to plan now for upcoming storms that can be just as strong as what we see in the spring,” said Bradshaw. “Typically, we hit a second storm season around September and October. While the storms aren’t as frequent, they can have the same deadly results as we saw this year in Granbury and Moore, Oklahoma.” 

Bradshaw points out that one of the biggest concerns during the fall severe storm season, in addition to wind and hail, is flooding. “We tend to see the biggest flood events happen in the fall, especially when we’re in drought seasons, which we are in now here in this area. Unfortunately, most droughts end in floods.” Stay flood safe this season by following these tips. 

An Unusual Pattern

Coming from western Oklahoma, Bradshaw is accustomed to communities being ready for big supercell thunderstorms, but here in North Texas, the past two years have been eye-opening. 

“We’ve had everything from large hail, damaging winds, even 10-20 tornadoes at a time here in North Texas just in the past two years,” Bradshaw reflected. “The images of 18-wheelers flying through the air and the neighborhood in Granbury pretty much leveled—that’s the kind of weather that hits this area about once a decade so it’s been unusual.” 

Because Mother Nature has a mind of her own, it’s critical that North Texans do make severe weather plans while the sky is blue. One area to talk about ahead of time is what to do if you’re kids are at school and severe weather is approaching. 

Schools & Preparedness

“After seeing what happened when the tornadoes hit the schools in Oklahoma, it’s clear there aren’t easy answers about what parents should do,” said Bradshaw. “But 99 out of 100 times, schools are safer than most places.” 

Bradshaw encourages everyone to think through what they would do if their kids are in school before the storm approaches. “Talk to the schools ahead of time, be sure they have a tornado plan. Comfort yourself with that information because it will help you to know that the school has your kids best interests at heart and that they know what to do to keep them safe.” He goes on to say that chaos can actually be created if everyone rushes to schools to pick up their kids. “If everyone descends on the schools, suddenly there’s a massive traffic back-up with a storm coming. You don’t want to lose those precious moments to stay safe.” 

If you’re kids school isn’t as prepared as you would like, point them to this reference page to help them be even better prepared before the next storm. 

Driving & Tornadoes

One frequently asked question we get at the Red Cross is if you should get in your car and drive somewhere if a storm is coming and you don’t have a safe shelter. Bradshaw gave great advice on the subject: 

“If you don’t feel safe where you are, and you are confident you have time, get in your car and drive to a safe place.” But he also warns that you should never leave during the storm. Once a tornado warning has been issued, it’s too late to make an alternate plan. “Identify, in advance, exactly where you’re going to go. But when in doubt, stay put.” 

CASA Radar Initiative

While we’re busy preparing as families during National Preparedness Month, the National Weather Service is doing the same as an organization with the new CASA Radar Initiative. In a nutshell, this complex radar system moves radars closer to the ground so that meteorologists can see the evolution of rotation. “We’re hoping to have about four of these new radars by the fall,” said Bradshaw. “By seeing the rotation closer up, we have better tools to warn the public.” 

If you’ve got six minutes to spare and like us, have a fascination with the weather, check out this awesome video about the new CASA radars. It features some of our favorite meteorologists including Rebecca Miller, David Finfrock and Larry Mowry. 

It’s Not “If,” But When

It was eerie to hear Bradshaw state the same thing we do every day at the Red Cross, and it’s why we talk to you so often about preparedness….it’s not a matter of “if” the Metroplex will be impacted by a storm system like the one that hit in Moore, Oklahoma, it’s just a matter of when. 

“The toll that a storm system like that would take on this densely populated Metroplex is immeasurable,” said Bradshaw. “We have well over six million people in the metropolitan area. The impact of an EF-4 or EF-5 tornado would be massive.” 

Before an emergency, work with your family to develop your comprehensive tornado safety plan. 

Prepare Now

Whether tornadoes, floods, heat waves or the unknown, we can all do our part to prepare. Take some time to create a checklist of things that you and your family should do in the event of an emergency. Things like packing a disaster supplies kit or talking about your family communication plan. If you’re getting ready for work or school in the morning and you hear that severe weather may be possible during the day, stick close to your radio, internet connection or mobile device. Follow @RedCrossDFW, @NWSFortWorth and your favorite meteorologists on Twitter for real-time information during storms. Think about what you’ll do if you’re in a mobile home, caught out on the road or separated from your family. 

The American Red Cross has a wealth of information on how to prepare at www.redcross.org. You can also visit the National Weather Service to check out the daily weather at http://www.srh.noaa.gov/fwd. 

To follow the American Red Cross's response to the tornadoes in Nebraska and Iowa this weekend, follow @neiaredcross and @GreaterIA_ARC on Twitter.

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It Happens in a Flash: Lightning Safety Tips

by Cathryn Homier, volunteer contributor

Take a minute, and think of someone you know who buys lottery tickets. Maybe it’s no one close to you. Maybe it’s just someone you’ve seen buying tickets the same time you’ve been inside a convenience store. Now consider this: that person is more likely to get struck by lightning once in their lifetime (1 in 10,000 over 80 years) than win the mega millions jackpot.

Despite the odds, people still play the lottery. But, what about lightning safety? With potentially far greater stakes at risk, all of us, including you – yes, you, even if you don’t play the mega millions – should brush up on the best ways to stay safe when lightning is near. 

While we can all be thankful that summertime thunderstorms keep scorching heat at bay, they also mean lightning is present. Summer is when most of lightning injuries occur: the amount of time people spend outdoors is at its highest, as is lightning activity. Don’t gamble with your safety. If you hear thunder, you are within 10 miles of a storm, and potentially in danger from lightning. Wait 30 minutes from the last thunder clap before venturing back outside.

Plan ahead. If you’re going to be outside, check the weather. Do whatever you can to not be caught outside during a thunderstorm. If you are, remember the only truly safe action is to get inside a safe building or a vehicle. Baseball dugouts, tents, and open sided picnic shelters are not completely safe during lightning activity.

Don’t shelter under an isolated tree. Lightning tends to strike the tallest object in its path, making trees or lightning rods especially susceptible to being hit. If you have no safe building nearby, it’s best to stay near a lower stand of trees. Never lie flat on the ground if you’re caught outdoors. 

Don’t touch electrical equipment or cords. This also goes for corded landline phones. Cell phones or cordless phones are safe to use, though. Lightning can enter a building through wires, and then travel through electrical and phone systems.

Avoid plumbing. Pipes that extend outside of a safe building can be struck by lightning and conduct it through plumbing. 

While you may never be a lottery jackpot winner, the odds that you experience a close encounter with lightning are entirely up to you. So make your own luck. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for severe weather updates. You can also get real-time notifications on your smartphone by downloading the Red Cross Tornado App. 

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