Severe Weather Preparedness Week

3/3/2017 (Permalink)

Mammatus Clouds are most often associated with anvil clouds and also severe thunderstorms.

Severe Weather Preparedness Week is March 5-11, 2017 and marks the unofficial start to severe storm season in the state although tornadoes and thunderstorms can strike any time of the year. During this time of the year most people in Davidson County associate severe weather with Tornadoes.  A tornado is a violent windstorm characterized by a twisting, funnel-shaped cloud. It is spawned by a thunderstorm or a hurricane. Tornadoes occur when cool air overrides a layer of warm air, forcing the warm air to rise rapidly. The damage results from high wind velocities and wind-blown debris. They can strike with incredible velocity. Wind speeds may approach up to 300 miles per hour. These storms can uproot trees, destroy structures and turn harmless objects into deadly missiles, all in a matter of seconds.

We average of 31 tornadoes in our state while the plains and the deep south are the states at greatest risk.

Staying informed is the way to be prepared and stay safe and the best way to stay informed is with a weather radio.  Families should also have an emergency kit of essential supplies as well as a family communication plan.  To learn more about what to include in your emergency kit as well as how to build a family communication plan visit https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes