Thunderstorms, tornadoes more likely in spring

Feb 27, 2009      Jacksonville Daily Progress

Kelly Young

Feb. 25, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- East Texas is prone to severe weather at all times of the year, but because thunderstorms and tornadoes are most likely to form during the spring and summer months, it is this time of year the state decides to promote severe-weather education.

It is for this reason the Governor's Division of Emergency Management has proclaimed this week, Feb. 22-28, as Severe Weather Awareness Week. Texans are encouraged to use this time, before severe weather becomes more likely, to learn about potential weather dangers and prepare for an emergency situation.

"As anyone ever caught in a Texas downpour can tell you, the weather in Texas can change in an instant. These changes can cause unpredictable and severe weather, which can strike anywhere, at any time and with little to no warning," Gov. Rick Perry said via a press release. "The spring of each year is a good time to remind Texans of the risks of severe weather and the need to be aware of the ever-changing conditions."

According to the National Weather Service, severe weather is defined as the presence of 3/4-inch hail, winds in excess of 58 mph or tornadoes. Powerful thunderstorms -- and the flash flooding often associated with them -- and tornadoes are the most commonly experienced types of severe weather in East Texas.

Texas typically leads the nation in the number of tornadoes each year, both because of its size and because warm air from the Gulf of Mexico collides with cooler air coming in from the north to promote cyclonic conditions.

The Governor's Division of Emergency Management advocates the use of disaster plans both at home and in the workplace. Households should create and review a plan so that everyone knows where they are to go and what they are to do in case of a weather emergency. Businesses are also recommended to create a disaster plan and to update it as needed.

Know a building's floorplan, and during a storm find a hallway or interior closet with as many walls between you and the outside as possible; then cover yourself with blankets or sleeping bags.

"When it comes to severe-weather events, the key to successful response -- and survival -- is preparedness. We want to remind our residents to update their emergency plans, double-check emergency supply kits and get prepared for tornadoes, floods, hail, straight-line windstorms and other hazardous events," Jack Colley, chief of the Governor's Division of Emergency Management, said through a press release.

If caught outside during severe weather and unable to reach shelter, lie flat in the nearest ditch; but, try to avoid floodwaters. During fierce thunderstorms, in order to avoid being struck by lightning, seek shelter under shorter trees and sit on the ground with your knees tucked to your chest and your head down.

The American Red Cross says every home should prepare a disaster kit full of supplies in case of emergency. Disaster kits should include a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food items, a change of clothes, one blanket or sleeping bag per person, a first aid kit, prescription medications, a flashlight, a credit card or cash, extra batteries and a weather radio.

During a storm, a working weather radio allows people to receive continuous weather updates. They can be purchased year-round at stores like Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT) and RadioShack.

"Perhaps the most important thing to remember as we focus on awareness is to stay vigilant and informed when it comes to severe weather," Perry said. "By doing so, you may save your own life or the life of a loved one."

Minimize damage

Damage to property caused by severe weather can be minimized by using the following tips:

--Make a list of items to bring inside during a thunderstorm, bring in anything that may become a dangerous projectile in strong winds;

--Remove any lose debris from around your home and trim your trees and shrubbery of diseased or damaged limbs;

--Consider installing permanent shudders to cover and protect windows;

--Install lightning rods on your home or barn to greatly reduce the risk of a fire caused by a lightning strike; and

--Insure crops against financial loss from storm damage through the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For more information on how to prepare for severe weather, visit www.srh.noaa.gov/lub/safety/swaw/.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0327-32393143

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