Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms. These storms can produce damaging winds, hail, lightning, and tornadoes. It is important to know what to do when a severe thunderstorm watch is issued in your area.
In this guide, we will discuss what a severe thunderstorm watch is, what to do when one is issued, and how to stay safe during a severe thunderstorm.
Definition of Severe Thunderstorm Watch
A severe thunderstorm watch is a weather alert issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and near the watch area. The purpose of a severe thunderstorm watch is to provide advanced notice to the public so that they can take appropriate safety precautions.
Criteria for Issuing a Severe Thunderstorm Watch
- The presence of unstable air
- The presence of moisture
- The presence of a lifting mechanism (such as a front or an upper-level disturbance)
- The presence of wind shear
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Wind Speed | 58 mph or greater |
| Hail Size | 1 inch or greater |
| Tornado | Rotation within the storm |
Conditions for Issuing a Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms. These conditions typically include:
- Unstable air, which is air that is able to rise quickly and form clouds
- Moist air, which provides the water vapor that is needed for cloud formation
- Wind shear, which is a change in wind speed or direction with height, which can help to organize thunderstorms into rotating updrafts
Role of the Storm Prediction Center
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) is a division of the National Weather Service that is responsible for issuing severe thunderstorm watches and other severe weather warnings. The SPC monitors weather conditions across the United States and issues watches when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms.
Types of Severe Thunderstorms
Severe thunderstorms come in a variety of forms, each with its own distinct characteristics and hazards. Understanding the different types can help you better prepare for and respond to these dangerous weather events.
Types of Severe Thunderstorms
Supercell Thunderstorms
Supercells are the most powerful and long-lived type of thunderstorm. They are characterized by a rotating updraft that can reach heights of up to 60,000 feet. Supercells can produce a variety of severe weather, including tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds.
Mesocyclones
Mesocyclones are rotating updrafts within thunderstorms that can lead to the formation of tornadoes. They are typically about 2-6 miles wide and can rotate at speeds of up to 100 mph. Mesocyclones are often identified by their hook-shaped echo on radar.
Bow Echoes
Bow echoes are large, curved lines of thunderstorms that can produce damaging winds and hail. They are typically 20-60 miles wide and can move at speeds of up to 60 mph. Bow echoes are often associated with derechos, which are widespread, long-lived windstorms that can cause significant damage.
Squall Lines
Squall lines are narrow bands of thunderstorms that can produce heavy rain, hail, and strong winds. They are typically 10-50 miles wide and can move at speeds of up to 50 mph. Squall lines can cause flash flooding and power outages.
Clustered Thunderstorms
Clustered thunderstorms are groups of thunderstorms that occur in close proximity to each other. They can produce a variety of severe weather, including tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds. Clustered thunderstorms are often associated with derechos.
Hazards Associated with Severe Thunderstorms
Severe thunderstorms can produce a variety of hazardous weather conditions, including lightning, hail, damaging winds, tornadoes, and flooding. These hazards can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure, and can even be deadly.
Lightning
Lightning is a powerful electrical discharge that occurs between the clouds and the ground, or between two clouds. Lightning can cause fires, electrical surges, and even death.
Hail
Hail is frozen precipitation that forms when raindrops freeze inside a thunderstorm cloud. Hail can range in size from small pellets to large chunks of ice. Hail can damage cars, roofs, and crops.
Damaging Winds
Damaging winds are winds that exceed 58 miles per hour. Damaging winds can cause trees to fall, power lines to break, and buildings to collapse.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes are violent, rotating columns of air that extend from the base of a thunderstorm cloud to the ground. Tornadoes can cause devastating damage to property and infrastructure, and can be deadly.
Flooding
Flooding can occur when heavy rains from a thunderstorm overwhelm the capacity of rivers and streams. Flooding can damage homes and businesses, and can also lead to the spread of disease.
Safety Precautions During a Severe Thunderstorm Watch
When a severe thunderstorm watch is issued, it’s crucial to take immediate precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some essential steps to follow:
Monitor weather updates regularly to stay informed about the storm’s progress. Tune into local news, weather radio, or reputable weather apps for the latest information.
Seek Shelter
If you are outdoors when a severe thunderstorm watch is issued, seek shelter immediately in a sturdy building or structure. Stay away from open areas, high ground, and isolated trees.
Avoid Dangerous Areas
Avoid areas prone to flooding, such as low-lying areas, streams, and culverts. If you encounter flooded roadways, do not attempt to drive through them.
Stay Informed
Stay informed about the storm’s progress by monitoring weather updates. If the watch is upgraded to a warning, take immediate action and seek shelter.
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Monitoring Severe Thunderstorm Watches
Monitoring severe thunderstorm watches is crucial for staying informed and prepared when severe weather threatens. By being aware of potential storms, you can take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and well-being.
Weather Apps
Numerous weather apps provide real-time updates and alerts for severe thunderstorms. Some recommended apps include:
- The Weather Channel App
- AccuWeather
- Dark Sky
- NOAA Weather Radar Live
- MyRadar Weather Radar
Other Methods
In addition to weather apps, you can also stay informed about severe weather through:
- Radio broadcasts
- Social media updates from local weather authorities
- Television news
Weather Alerts
Setting up weather alerts on your mobile device is essential. Most weather apps allow you to customize alerts for specific weather conditions, including severe thunderstorms. By enabling alerts, you will receive timely notifications when a watch or warning is issued for your area.
Emergency Plan
Having a plan in place for severe weather is crucial. Know where you will shelter if a storm approaches and how to contact emergency services if needed. Identify a safe location, such as a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of your home, and gather essential items like flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch vs. Warning
A severe thunderstorm watch means that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop. A severe thunderstorm warning means that a severe thunderstorm has been detected by radar or has been reported by spotters.
It is important to take shelter immediately when a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. Severe thunderstorms can produce damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes.
Key Differences
| Severe Thunderstorm Watch | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop. | A severe thunderstorm has been detected by radar or has been reported by spotters. |
| Actions | Be aware of the weather and be prepared to take shelter if a warning is issued. | Take shelter immediately. |
Importance of Taking Shelter
Taking shelter immediately when a severe thunderstorm warning is issued is important because severe thunderstorms can produce damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes. These storms can cause serious injury or even death.
Safety Tips
Here are some safety tips for staying safe during a severe thunderstorm:
- Go to a sturdy building and stay away from windows.
- If you are outside, seek shelter in a low-lying area away from trees and power lines.
- Do not drive through flooded areas.
- Listen to the radio or television for updates on the storm.
- Be aware of the weather forecast and be prepared to take shelter if a warning is issued.
Notable Historical Severe Thunderstorm Events
Severe thunderstorms have been responsible for some of the most devastating weather events in history. These storms can produce powerful winds, large hail, and deadly tornadoes.
The Great Tri-State Tornado of 1925
The Great Tri-State Tornado was a devastating tornado that struck the central United States on March 18, 1925. The tornado traveled for over 219 miles (352 kilometers) across Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, killing 695 people and injuring over 2,000. It is the longest-tracked tornado in U.S. history.
The St. Louis Tornado of 1896
The St. Louis Tornado was a powerful tornado that struck the city of St. Louis, Missouri, on May 27, 1896. The tornado killed 255 people and injured over 1,000. It is the deadliest tornado to ever strike a major U.S. city.
The Joplin Tornado of 2011
The Joplin Tornado was a devastating tornado that struck the city of Joplin, Missouri, on May 22, 2011. The tornado killed 161 people and injured over 1,000. It is the deadliest tornado to strike the United States since the Tri-State Tornado of 1925.
Impacts of Severe Thunderstorms
Severe thunderstorms can have a devastating impact on communities and infrastructure. These storms can cause loss of life and property, damage to buildings and homes, disrupt transportation and communication, and lead to economic losses.
Loss of Life and Property
Severe thunderstorms can cause loss of life and property through high winds, hail, and tornadoes. High winds can cause trees and power lines to fall, which can lead to injuries or death. Hail can damage crops, vehicles, and buildings. Tornadoes can destroy homes and businesses, and can also cause injuries or death.
Damage to Buildings and Homes
Severe thunderstorms can cause damage to buildings and homes through high winds, hail, and tornadoes. High winds can cause roofs to be torn off, windows to be broken, and walls to collapse. Hail can damage roofs, siding, and windows. Tornadoes can destroy homes and businesses, and can also cause damage to other structures, such as schools, hospitals, and churches.
Disruption of Transportation and Communication
Severe thunderstorms can disrupt transportation and communication through high winds, hail, and tornadoes. High winds can cause trees and power lines to fall, which can block roads and highways. Hail can make roads slippery and dangerous to drive on. Tornadoes can destroy roads and bridges, and can also damage communication towers and power lines.
Economic Losses
Severe thunderstorms can lead to economic losses through damage to property, disruption of business, and loss of productivity. Damage to homes and businesses can be costly to repair or replace. Disruption of transportation and communication can make it difficult for businesses to operate and for people to get to work. Loss of productivity can also occur when workers are unable to work due to power outages or other disruptions caused by severe thunderstorms.
– Describe the methods used to forecast severe thunderstorms.
Severe thunderstorm forecasting is a complex and challenging task that involves a combination of science and technology. Forecasters use a variety of methods to predict the likelihood and location of severe thunderstorms, including:
Numerical weather prediction models
Numerical weather prediction (NWP) models are computer programs that use mathematical equations to simulate the atmosphere and predict future weather conditions. NWP models are used to forecast a wide range of weather phenomena, including severe thunderstorms. NWP models are constantly being improved, and they have become increasingly accurate in recent years.
Ensemble forecasting
Ensemble forecasting is a technique that involves running multiple NWP models with slightly different initial conditions. This helps to account for the uncertainty in the initial conditions, and it can provide a more accurate forecast than a single NWP model.
Nowcasting techniques
Nowcasting techniques are used to forecast the weather in the short term, typically for the next few hours. Nowcasting techniques include radar and satellite observations, lightning detection networks, and surface weather observations. Nowcasting techniques can be used to identify and track severe thunderstorms, and they can provide valuable information to forecasters.
Radar and satellite observations
Radar and satellite observations can provide valuable information about the structure and evolution of severe thunderstorms. Radar observations can be used to track the movement of storms, and they can also be used to estimate the intensity of storms. Satellite observations can provide information about the cloud tops of storms, and they can also be used to track the movement of storms.
Lightning detection networks
Lightning detection networks can provide information about the location and intensity of lightning strikes. This information can be used to identify and track severe thunderstorms, and it can also be used to warn people about the potential for lightning strikes.
Impacts of Severe Thunderstorms
Severe thunderstorms are potent meteorological events that can inflict widespread devastation on infrastructure, agriculture, transportation, and public health. Their destructive forces can cripple communities and leave lasting scars on the environment.
Infrastructure
Severe thunderstorms pose significant threats to infrastructure, often causing power outages, damage to buildings and bridges, and disruption of communication networks.
- Power outages: Lightning strikes and high winds can damage power lines, transformers, and other electrical infrastructure, leading to widespread blackouts that can last for hours or even days.
- Damage to buildings and bridges: Strong winds and hail can cause extensive damage to buildings, including structural damage, roof collapses, and broken windows. Bridges can also be weakened or even destroyed by severe thunderstorms.
- Disruption of communication networks: Lightning strikes and wind damage can disrupt communication networks, including phone lines, internet connections, and cellular service, making it difficult for people to stay informed and connected during an emergency.
Agriculture
Severe thunderstorms can have devastating impacts on agriculture, causing crop damage, livestock loss, and soil erosion.
- Crop damage: High winds, hail, and flooding can destroy crops, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers. Hail can shred leaves and stems, while strong winds can knock down plants and uproot trees.
- Livestock loss: Severe thunderstorms can kill livestock, either directly from lightning strikes or indirectly from drowning or injuries sustained during the storm.
- Soil erosion: Heavy rainfall and flooding can lead to soil erosion, which can degrade soil quality and reduce crop yields.
Transportation
Severe thunderstorms can disrupt transportation systems, causing flight delays and cancellations, road closures, and rail disruptions.
- Flight delays and cancellations: Lightning, hail, and strong winds can pose hazards to aircraft, leading to flight delays and cancellations. Severe thunderstorms can also cause airport closures.
- Road closures: Flooding, downed trees, and debris can block roads, making travel dangerous or impossible.
- Rail disruptions: Severe thunderstorms can damage rail lines and infrastructure, causing train delays and cancellations.
Public health
Severe thunderstorms can pose significant risks to public health, causing injuries and fatalities from high winds, lightning, and hail, as well as respiratory problems from air pollution and waterborne diseases from flooding.
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- Injuries and fatalities: High winds can cause flying debris that can injure or kill people. Lightning strikes are also a major hazard during severe thunderstorms, and can cause serious injuries or even death.
- Respiratory problems: Severe thunderstorms can produce high levels of air pollution, including ozone and particulate matter, which can trigger respiratory problems, especially in people with asthma or other lung conditions.
- Waterborne diseases: Flooding from severe thunderstorms can contaminate water supplies, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.
Mitigation and Preparedness
Mitigating the impacts of severe thunderstorms involves a combination of strategies and preparedness measures. These include:
Community Preparedness Plans
Developing and implementing community preparedness plans is crucial. These plans should Artikel specific actions to be taken before, during, and after a severe thunderstorm event. They should include evacuation routes, shelter locations, communication protocols, and emergency response procedures.
Early Warning Systems
Early warning systems are essential for providing timely alerts to communities at risk. These systems monitor weather conditions and issue watches and warnings to give people time to prepare and take necessary precautions.
Structural Enhancements
Structural enhancements can help reduce the damage caused by severe thunderstorms. These include reinforcing roofs, installing impact-resistant windows, and anchoring mobile homes securely.
Public Education and Awareness
Educating the public about severe thunderstorms and the importance of preparedness is crucial. This includes providing information on safety precautions, emergency procedures, and the different types of severe thunderstorms.
Community Resilience
Building community resilience is essential for mitigating the impacts of severe thunderstorms. This involves fostering a sense of community, encouraging volunteerism, and developing partnerships between local organizations and government agencies.
Research and Advancements
In the realm of severe thunderstorm research, significant strides have been made in recent years, enhancing our understanding and forecasting capabilities. These advancements include:
New Understanding of Storm Dynamics and Structure
Scientists have gained a deeper insight into the complex dynamics and structures of severe thunderstorms. Through detailed observations and simulations, researchers have identified key features that influence storm behavior, such as the role of updrafts, downdrafts, and mesocyclones.
Improved Methods for Detecting and Tracking Storms
Advancements in radar technology, satellite imagery, and lightning detection systems have greatly improved our ability to detect and track severe thunderstorms. These technologies provide real-time data on storm location, intensity, and movement, enabling more accurate forecasting and warnings.
Development of New Forecasting Tools and Techniques
Numerical weather prediction models, the backbone of weather forecasting, have undergone significant enhancements. These models now incorporate more sophisticated algorithms and higher-resolution data, leading to more accurate predictions of severe thunderstorm development and movement.
Ongoing Efforts to Improve Forecasting and Warning Systems
Efforts are continuously underway to refine and enhance severe thunderstorm forecasting and warning systems. These include:
- Implementation of new observation networks, such as Doppler on Wheels radars and lightning mapping arrays, to collect more detailed data on storm characteristics.
- Enhancements to numerical weather prediction models to better simulate storm dynamics and predict their behavior.
- Development of probabilistic forecasting techniques that provide a range of possible outcomes, rather than a single deterministic forecast.
Potential of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are emerging as powerful tools for improving severe thunderstorm forecasting. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and make predictions. This technology has the potential to enhance storm detection, tracking, and forecasting accuracy.
Key Areas for Future Research and Development
Despite the progress made, there are still key areas where further research and development are needed in severe thunderstorm science. These include:
- Improving understanding of the initiation and evolution of severe thunderstorms.
- Developing more accurate methods for predicting the intensity and location of severe weather.
- Exploring the use of social media and crowdsourced data to supplement traditional observation networks.
Ongoing research and advancements in severe thunderstorm science will continue to enhance our ability to forecast and warn of these hazardous weather events, leading to improved safety and resilience for communities worldwide.
Educational Resources
To enhance your understanding of severe thunderstorms, we recommend exploring the following educational resources:
These resources provide in-depth information, interactive simulations, and real-time data to further your knowledge on the topic.
Websites, Severe thunderstorm watch
- National Weather Service: Severe Thunderstorms
- Ready.gov: Thunderstorms
- National Severe Storms Laboratory: Severe Weather 101
Articles
- Live Science: Thunderstorms
- National Geographic: Thunderstorms
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
Videos
- National Geographic: The Science of Thunderstorms
- Weather Underground: Severe Thunderstorm Formation
- National Weather Service: Thunderstorm Safety
Final Thoughts
Severe thunderstorms can be dangerous, but by following these tips, you can stay safe and reduce your risk of injury or damage.