Severe Weather Preparedness week: Damaging wind, tornadoes and hail

Most injuries associated with high winds and tornadoes are from flying debris
Kaitlin Wright,

Severe storms can develop quickly. Often giving you little time to react so having a plan in place ahead of time is key.

Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so protecting your head and putting as many walls between you and the outside as possible is critical.

Where to go?

If you’re in a home, go to the basement if you have one. If not, move to a small interior room, with no windows. Use a mattress to shield yourself from flying debris. If available, grab a bicycle helmet to protect yourself from head injuries.

If you are in a mobile home, it is not safe and you must seek an alternative to take shelter.

Hail and wind:

Hail and straight-line winds may not get the same attention as tornadoes, but they can be just as dangerous.

The Carolinas average 40-50 thunderstorm days a year, with about 10% of those classified as severe.

A thunderstorm is classified as severe by producing at least one of the following:

  • Hail at least 1β€³ in diameter, or the size of a quarter
  • Winds of 58+ mph and/or a tornado

A Severe Thunderstorm is also categorized on its potential for damage:

  • Base: Winds over 58+ mph, hail up to 1β€³ in diameter (quarter-sized)
  • Considerable: Winds over 70 mph, hail up to 1.75β€³ in diameter (golf-ball sized)
  • Destructive: Winds over 80 mph, hail up to 2.75β€³ in diameter (baseball-sized)

Preparing now… before the storms arrive can help you and your family when severe weather strikes.

Watches vs. Warnings: What’s the Difference?

One of the most common weather questions is: What’s the difference between a β€˜watch’ and a β€˜warning’?

  • Watch = Be Prepared. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch or Tornado Watch means conditions could produce dangerous storms.
  • Warning = Take Action. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning means dangerous weather is happening now, or will happen soon.
  • A Tornado Emergency is issued when a large, violent tornado is confirmed on the ground and causing catastrophic damage.

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