As we head into the cooler months of the year, the jet stream becomes more active as it comes back southward toward our area… bringing with it more frequent weather systems and a return to severe weather “season” in the Tennessee Valley. Severe storms and even tornadoes can happen at any time of the year, but our area’s tornado “season” runs from November through the end of May. However, activity can start in October some years, just as it can linger into June some years. We actually have a low-end storm threat coming up this weekend on Saturday night into early Sunday morning, but even if that system wasn’t on the board, now is the time to start thinking about your severe weather safety plan and making sure you are ready for when we have the inevitable storm threats. The above graphics offer some general checklists and things to think about as you formulate and go through these preparations.
The first big part of your family’s safety plan is having a designated area ahead of time where you will shelter in the event severe storms or tornadoes approach. This place needs to be picked out well ahead of time while the weather is quiet so that you aren’t rushing and panicking at the last minute while a storm is moments away, and this plan needs to be communicated to everyone in your home and then practiced so that it is second nature. Use these guidelines above to find that safe place to shelter for you and your family. And for mobile home residents, that means NOT STAYING at home… leaving in advance for a more sturdy SITE-BUILT structure, and having that plan worked out ahead of time!
The other major component to your family’s severe weather safety plan is being weather aware, understanding watches and warnings, and having multiple reliable ways of receiving those alerts… including something that can wake you out of your sleep at night! Many of our severe storm and tornado threats, especially in the fall and winter, come during the overnight. It is absolutely critical that you have something that can wake you out of your sleep to alert you quickly if severe weather is approaching. While outdoor warning sirens do serve a purpose, they should NEVER be your primary way of hearing tornado warnings! Here at Tennessee Valley Weather, we offer several ways to provide you with critical severe weather information, and we promise to ALWAYS be there for you with LIVE NON-STOP coverage on all of our broadcasting platforms anytime there is an active tornado warning in our viewing area!
