Several area school systems are dismissing early today, including Nantahala School in Macon County, which is dismissing at 11:45 am in order to prevent students from potentially being exposed to hail, lightning and 60 plus mph winds on school buses or on their walks home this afternoon. The storms are expected to arrive in Nantahala between 3 pm and 5 pm.
In light of the expected severe weather event for this afternoon, here are some severe weather preparedness tips and a guide for dealing with severe weather.
Macon Media also has a page for severe weather preparedness. [LINK]
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A WATCH AND A WARNING
Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be Prepared! Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action! Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Take shelter in a substantial building. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a large hail or damaging wind identified by an NWS forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.
Prepare! Don't Let Severe Weather Take You by Surprise
Find out what you can do before severe weather strikes. Preparation is key to staying safe and minimizing impacts.
Be Weather-Ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you're at risk for severe weather. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. Check the Weather-Ready Nation for tips. [LINK]
Sign Up for Notifications: Know how your community sends warning. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smart phones to alert residents to severe storms.
Create a Communications Plan: Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. Pick a safe room in your home such as a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Get more ideas for a plan at: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
Practice Your Plan: Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a damaging wind or large hail is approaching.
Make sure all members of your family know to go there when severe thunderstorm warnings are issued. Don't forget pets if time allows.
Prepare Your Home: Keep trees and branches trimmed near your house. If you have time before severe weather hits, secure loose objects, close windows and doors, and move any valuable objects inside or under a sturdy structure.
Help Your Neighbor: Encourage your loved ones to prepare for severe thunderstorms. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt during severe weather.
Severe Weather Preparedness Guide [DOWNLOAD LINK]
DAY SPONSOR
Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.
Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.
They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.
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Published at 10:53 am on Mar 01, 2017
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