Severe weather precautions can save lives

CONROE, Texas -- “Tornado Week” begins Monday on the Weather Channel. Man has always had a fascination with this horrific weather phenomenon, even to the point of not only tracking tornadoes, but chasing them, photographing them, but primarily to collect invaluable data to better understand them. Without the proper equipment and protection like these “Todies” (can be used interchangeably with “Toties,” derived from the name of the dog in the movie, “The Wizard of Oz.”), the best thing most of us can do is ‘hunker down.’ As the saying goes…”The best defense is to avoid.”

Residents in the Greater Houston and surrounding area experienced violent thunderstorms this past weekend, accompanied with hail in some regions, and almost eight inches of rain in southwest Houston. Between 80 to 100 cars were flooded, and for those who didn’t ‘hunker down’ indoors, first responders reported as many as 50 water rescues.

Violent weather is typical this time of year when moist tropical air from the Gulf of Mexico and dry air from the southwest collide to produce intense thunderstorms and often tornadoes. ‘Tornado season’ typically falls between April and July, with May and June usually the peak months, but tornadoes are possible at any time of the year and in any part of the country.

Conroe ISD schools have subscribed to an interactive weather software system that aids the community in monitoring the weather in The Woodlands with a weather station equipped to measure weather metrics like temperature, barometric pressure, wind velocity, the amount of precipitation. Even the youngest students are being introduced to Meterology. David Elementary uses the AWS (Automated Weather Station) data collection software for science lessons on weather. WeatherBug Achieve is the world’s largest live, local weather network, and used by KHOU Channel 11. The system enables schools to be a first responder for weather alerts, providing an invaluable service to the.

To access the WeatherBug click on the link provided.

Tornadoes usually accompany thunderstorms. They can take almost any shape and size, and can strike one at a time or in clusters. Tornadoes can leave a path of destruction 50 yards wide, or more than a mile wide; they can touch down for a matter of seconds, or they can remain in contact with the ground for an hour or more. An estimated 1,000 tornadoes occur in the United States each year, more than any other country in the world.

Though in many cases advance warnings can be issued for tornadoes, it is important to be aware that tornadoes can change direction, speed and intensity very quickly. The sound of a tornado has been compared to a freight train or a jet engine, but you may or may not hear such a noise before a tornado strikes. One of the best precautionary methods is to install weather alert apps from local weather sources on your phone and other mobile devices, and sign up for e-mails. Make a plan to protect you family and home with some of these recommendations:

• Assemble a family disaster kit and make sure it’s easily accessible on a moment’s notice. The disaster kit should include first aid supplies, water, a NOAA weather radio, flashlights, fresh batteries and emergency contact information and phone numbers. Be sure to include the telephone numbers for your utility providers: gas, water and electricity.

• Keep your mobile phone, laptop and other mobile devices charged up at all times.

• Check your homeowner's insurance to confirm your coverage in case your home is damaged or destroyed.

• Take photographs of your valuables and store them in a fire- and waterproof safe. Also use the safe to store important documents such as birth certificates, ownership documentation for cars and boats, Social Security cards, insurance policies and wills.

• Locate and mark where utility switches and valves are in your home so they can be turned off in an emergency if time allows.

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency action plans at your workplace and schools, and the location of emergency shelters. Community centers and schools are often used, providing both kitchens and rest room facilities. Many churches have disaster preparation plans to set up shelters, provide meals, and emotional support.

Knowing the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch and warning, as well as a tornado watch and warning, is essential for taking the necessary precaution. A severe thunderstorm watch means that the potential exists for the development of thunderstorms which may produce large hail or damaging winds. A severe thunderstorm warning, on the other hand, means that a severe thunderstorm is occurring and verified on Doppler radar. The term ‘severe’ refers to hail that is dime size or larger, with wind gusts to 58 mph or more. Any storm producing giant hail should be watched closely for signs of a possible tornado.

A tornado watch means that the conditions have created a significant risk of a tornado occurring. A tornado warning is a higher level of alert and is used when the event is actually occurring.

Although “Tornado Week” is shown on the Weather Channel to satisfy our curiosity about tornadoes without having to chase them down, useful information can be gained by watching the programs…what to do, what not to do; what contributed to surviving a tornado. The week’s forecast shows isolated thunderstorms the early part of the week. A good time to stay indoors and put together the disaster plan and kit, and enjoy just being a TV ‘todie.’