WKYC's Fair Weather Fans Blog

Akron College Student's Twister Research Pinpoints New 'Tornado Alley'

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:18:00 +0000

By Eric Mansfield
WKYC Reporter/Anchor
AKRON -- Mike Frates has never seen a tornado and yet he knows them inside and out. Now his research into the frequency and location of the America's most severe tornados may help local leaders better prepare for disasters.

Frates, a 24-year-old grad student at the University of Akron, mapped all F3, F4, and F5 tornados from 1950-2006 that were on the ground for at least 20 miles.

He then grouped the obvious zones, or "alleys," where devastating tornados were most likely to strike.

"You haven't really seen this on a map before and people are starting to realize that (the Gulf Coast states) have a lot of tornadoes that occur of this intensity," Frates said.

Frates' data found that the "Dixie Alley" -- an area that stretches from Western Texas to Northwestern Georgia -- is a more extreme zone for serious tornados than the well-known "Tornado Alley" that encompasses Oklahoma, Nebraska and Kansas.

"I did not expect this at all, not at all," he said. "I thought (the Midwest states) would stand out the most.

"There's a lot of reasons for this. In Dixie Alley, there's higher population, so obviously, higher population-density. There's more forested land cover. So, when tornados do occur, they're not usually spotted."

Frates said the southern states also boast warmer temperatures for more months, so the tornado season is longer in "Dixie Alley."

His research has taken on new significance after an F-4 tornado struck central Mississippi April 25 and stayed on the ground for up to 100 miles.

Freeze Warning Causes Gardeners To Cover Their Plants

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 05:28:00 +0000

By Dave Summers
WKYC Reporter

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS -- A freeze warning is chilling news for all of those early growers who thought they were getting a jump on the planting and gardening season.

Though it may have felt like summer more than once over the last couple weeks, your "plants" know better.

Maybe you wanted to beat the rush at your local greenhouse, but you can't beat or fool Mother Nature.

Rosby Greenhouse manager Dave Horvath is fighting customers' need to nurture. "Customers are really wanting to plant early and plant the popular things," Horvath said.

A few summer-like days in April lead to premature planting.

The National Weather Service freeze warning for Northeast Ohio has Dave and other greenhouse operators scrambling to get plants inside.

"The growing tips will be affected. It might not kill them. It will brown out after the sun hits them," Horvath said.

Spring planters are advised to cover sensitive growth with a cloth, not plastic, or keep the sprinkler running till sun up. Bring in your potted plants.

Not one to waste time, Joan Luthanen is getting her pick of the crop. It's a spring ritual. "It brings back some of my dad because he had a green house when we were growing up. So it's a way to reconnect with him," Luthanen said.

Still, as a lifetime resident of Northeast Ohio, Joan knows Memorial Day is a good time for a spring garden fling. "Wait...Wait more then anything and be patient," Luthanen said. Her new buds will spend their first night in the garage, not the cold ground.

WKYC Launches Brand New Weather Graphics System in High Definition

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:57:00 +0000

CLEVELAND -- At Channel 3 News, our policy on reporting the weather has always been to prepare you, not scare you.

On Tuesday evening, we went on-air and on-line with a new weather system which uses the latest forecasting technology that no one else has. Best yet, it puts you in charge.

We all made the transition from standard definition to HD, and now you have your latest weather forecasts, making what you see on Channel 3 crisper, clearer, and up-to-the-minute.

How you access the weather on-line at wkyc.com has changed dramatically.

Our interactive weather radars put you in control of your own forecast, with options designed to give you information you find most important.

Head over to our weather page and check it out or click here.

Click on the video to learn more about our new weather system from WSI.

WKYC Weather Introduces Interactive Radar in High Definition

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:38:00 +0000

Channel 3 Weather has launched a brand new high definition, interactive radar to keep you better connected to our local weather on wkyc.com

You can click on the image to start using the new radar system that features temperatures, radar, wind speeds, water temperatures, storm tracking, earthquake reports and much more.

It's everything you need to track the weather in one simple, easy to use feature only from WKYC and Channel 3 Weather.

Click the image to start using right now!

Afternoon Thunderstorms Bring Down Trees on Friday Afternoon

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 01:00:00 +0000

CLEVELAND -- A cold front pushing through the area triggered some severe weather across the Channel 3 viewing area, mainly south of the Akron/Canton area on Friday.

Several reports of hail and damaging thunderstorm winds were received by the National Weather Service including several trees down in Cosochton and Tuscarawas Counties on Friday. Storm spotters in the city of Wadsworth in Medina County reported hail around 2 p.m. Friday afternoon of three quarters of an inch in diameter.

Here is a wrap up of the storm reports received:


..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0201 PM     HAIL             WADSWORTH               41.02N 81.73W
04/16/2010  E0.75 INCH       MEDINA             OH   TRAINED SPOTTER

            LASTED FOR 3 TO 5 MINUTES.

0355 PM     TSTM WND DMG     WARSAW                  40.34N 82.00W
04/16/2010                   COSHOCTON          OH   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            LARGE TREES REPORTED DOWN BY STRONG WINDS

0401 PM     TSTM WND DMG     DOVER                   40.53N 81.48W
04/16/2010                   TUSCARAWAS         OH   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            LARGE TREES REPORTED DOWN IN DOVER.

0434 PM     TSTM WND DMG     GNADENHUTTEN            40.36N 81.43W
04/16/2010                   TUSCARAWAS         OH   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            LARGE TREES REPORTED DOWN

Cleveland Sets Another April Record High Thursday

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:43:00 +0000

By Frank Macek

CLEVELAND -- Once again, many locations in northeast Ohio set new record highs on Thursday to continue April's streak of warmer than normal temperatures.

In Cleveland, the high reached 84 degrees at 3:51 p.m. which broke the old record of 82 degrees.

This is the 5th day so far in April 2010 where the mercury has soared past previous highs.

These days include:

April 1st - 83 degrees
April 2nd - 86 degrees
April 3rd - 83 degrees
April 6th - 85 degrees

The Akron Canton Airport saw 82 degrees at 3:19 p.m. Thursday afternoon. The old record was 81 degrees.

Mansfield's Lahm Airport also hit 82 degrees at 3:39 p.m. Their old record was 80 degrees.

All record highs for these three cities were set in 2003.

Weather Seasonable For The Indians Home Opener Monday

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 01:14:00 +0000

CLEVELAND -- Sunny, but cool weather greeted Indians' fans who attended the 2010 season home opener Monday against the Texas Rangers at Progessive Field.

Temperatures were in the 50s downtown, but a sold out crowd didn't seem to mind the weather, especially with plenty of sunshine.

The National Weather Service says the lakeshore area was only in lower 50s during game time, with the official high of 51 degrees reported at Burke Lakefront Airport, the closest observation point to Progressive Field.

Many in the crowd wore wind breakers and hats to keep them warm on a day that was near average temperature wise for past Indians Opening Days of the last 25 years.

How warm has it been for past Opening Days? What were the rainiest years?

Youngstown Sets New Record High On Wednesday

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 05:20:00 +0000

By Frank Macek

Cleveland -- It was another warm day across northern Ohio on Wednesday, but only one new record high was set.

The National Weather Service says Youngstown tied a record high of 81 degrees.

The old record was set in 2007 and 1991.

No other records were set today across the area or will be over the next several days as a strong cold front brings rain overnight to northern Ohio and much cooler temperatures to end the week.

Cleveland Adds Another Record High To The History Books Tuesday

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 22:16:00 +0000

By Frank Macek

CLEVELAND -- Northern Ohio saw another day of record warmth on Tuesday, the fourth in the first six days of April.

The National Weather Service reports a new record high of 85 degrees was set at 4:59 p.m. this afternoon that beat out the old record of 84 set in 1929.

So far in April, Cleveland has seen record highs on April 1st with 83 degrees, April 2nd with 86 degrees, April 3rd with 83 degrees and today's new high for April 6th.

Several other cities also set or tied records on Tuesday including Mansfield, Akron Canton , Toledo and Youngstown in northern Ohio.

The following are today's records and the old records:

Akron Canton: 83 degrees (old record 83 in 1929)
Mansfield: 83 degrees (old record 83 in 1929)
Youngstown: 83 degrees (old record 81 in 1988)
Toledo: 83 degrees (old record 83 in 1929)

A major change in temperatures is coming with the arrival of another strong cold front, according to WKYC Meteorologist Betsy Kling.

Temperatures will only be the 40s by Friday before rebounding back into the 60s by the weekend.

Winds Gust Over 50 m.p.h. In Northeast Ohio On Saturday

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 04:52:00 +0000

By Frank Macek

CLEVELAND -- A strong cold front ending three days of record heat brought gusty, southerly winds to northern Ohio on Saturday afternoon.

Findlay posted the highest wind gust of 59 m.p.h. at 1:51 p.m. this afternoon and was the windiest spot in the nation on Saturday according to the Associated Press.

The immediate Cleveland area felt its highest gusts of 53 m.p.h. blow through at 5:14 p.m. at Hopkins International at the National Weather Service office.

The winds were responsible for helping fuel a brush fire in Willoughby Hills that started when high winds caused a tree to hit power lines before 5 p.m. About five acres were affected. Two elderly people in their home near the blaze were evacuated, and were not injured. Ten other fire departments provided mutual aid to assist in extinguishing the fire, according to wkyc.com.

Downtown at Burke Lakefront Airport, winds were slightly stronger and topped out at 55 m.p.h. shortly after 4 p.m.

Here are other peak winds gusts recorded on Saturday, April 3rd.


LOCATION            PEAK WIND    TIME/DATE    COMMENTS
                         GUST       OF
                        (MPH)   MEASUREMENT
OHIO

...ASHTABULA COUNTY...
   JEFFERSON               44   549 PM   4/3 ASOS

...CUYAHOGA COUNTY...
   CLEVELAND/HOPKINS       53   514 PM   4/3 ASOS
   CLEVELAND/BURKE         55   406 PM   4/3 ASOS

...HANCOCK COUNTY...
   FINDLAY                 59   151 PM   4/3 ASOS

...LORAIN COUNTY...
   LORAIN/ELYRIA           51   435 PM   4/3 ASOS

...LUCAS COUNTY...
   TOLEDO/EXPRESS          49   433 PM   4/3 ASOS

...MARION COUNTY...
   MARION                  54   138 PM   4/3 ASOS

...RICHLAND COUNTY...
   MANSFIELD               54   155 PM   4/3 ASOS

...SUMMIT COUNTY...
   AKRON/FULTON            45   419 PM   4/3 ASOS
   AKRON/CANTON            47   536 PM   4/3 ASOS

...TRUMBULL COUNTY...
   YOUNGSTOWN/WARREN       44   500 PM   4/3 ASOS

...WAYNE COUNTY...
   WOOSTER                 48   522 PM   4/3 ASOS

Cleveland Sees Day 3 Of Record Setting Temperatures On Saturday

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 22:28:00 +0000

By Frank Macek

CLEVELAND -- For the third day in a row, Cleveland has set a new record high temperature.

Saturday saw a high of 83 degrees at Hopkins International at 1:59 p.m. this afternoon, easily beating the old record by three degrees.

The old record of 80 degrees was set in 2007.

Saturday marks the third straight day of record high temperatures across the area, something not seen since 1963 when April also started off as warm.

On Friday, Cleveland was warmer than any city in the lower 48 states.

A cold front sweeping across the area late Saturday afternoon was quickly bringing an end to much above normal temperatures. Easter Sunday will be about 15 degrees cooler.

Other cities across northern Ohio setting new records on Saturday include:

Akron/Canton: 80 degrees (old record 78 in 2007)
Mansfield: 79 degrees (old record 79 in 2007)
Youngstown: 84 degrees (old record 79 in 2007)

Weather-wise: Car Accidents, Temperatures Rise Together

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 00:37:00 +0000

By Chris Tye
WKYC Reporter

CUYAHOGA FALLS -- The warm weather has arrived just as millions of families are departing for a long holiday weekend -- and that may be a bad mix.

"If you look at the numbers, there's actually more accidents in the spring and summer than there are in the icy, slick winter months," says driving instructor Ken Stout, of Drive Team, Inc.

Over the last 24 hours, seven people died in four different accidents around northeast Ohio -- from Bath Township to Cleveland to Medina and Portage counties.

With our windows down, radios up and attention elsewhere, he says, now more than ever drivers need to re-double their efforts to stay safe on the roads.

"All of a sudden, we're doing other things in car, eating or talking on cell phones or texting or those sort of things," he said.

Stout spends much of his week trying to distract drivers on his 12-acre test course in Cuyahoga Falls, hoping that, when they leave, they're more aware of the distractions around them.

"The best thing we can all do this time of year is improve our awareness," Stout says.

"As drivers, constantly be surveying what's around you, allow three seconds of space between you and car in front of you, and always expect the unexpected."

Another Record Setting Day Across Northeast Ohio

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

By Frank Macek

CLEVELAND -- All of northeast Ohio saw a record setting day on this Good Friday.

Temperatures soared into the 80s for the second straight day across northern Ohio as unusually warm weather continued across Ohio and surrounding states.

At Cleveland Hopkins Airport, the mercury reached 86 degrees to set a record. The old record for Friday was 81 degrees set back in 1963.

Other major cities that set records today include:

Akron/Canton: 82 degrees (old record was 80 degrees in 1963)
Mansfield: 83 degrees (old record was 78 degrees in 1963)
Youngstown: 87 degrees (old record was 81 degrees in 1963)
Toledo: 80 degrees (old record was 79 degrees in 1967)

The end of our warm weather is in sight as a cold front will move through late Saturday that will return northern Ohio to more seasonable temperatures for April.

Any rain will likely occur overnight Saturday, leading to a partly cloudy and dry Easter Sunday.

April 1st Sets New Record High In Cleveland, No Foolin'

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:53:00 +0000

By Frank Macek

CLEVELAND -- April Fool's Day brought record warmth to Cleveland on Thursday.

The area set a new record high at Cleveland Hopkins Airport at 3:57 p.m. when the mercury reached 83 degrees for the first day of April.

The old record, 80 degrees, was set in 1986.

Youngstown also set a new record on Thursday with a high of 83. Their old record was 82 degrees in 1986.

Mansfield tied a record high of 78 degrees that was also originally set in 1986.

The area could see more record setting temperatures on Friday. The record high for Cleveland on April 2nd is 81 degrees.

The warm temperatures were caused by high pressure that was pumping very "warmer than normal" air into the region. The high will continue to influence our weather through Saturday when a cold front is expected to return the area to more seasonal temperatures by Easter.

March 2010 In Review: In Like A Lamb, Out Like A Lamb

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:49:00 +0000

By Frank Macek

CLEVELAND -- March 2010 ended just the way it began - like a lamb.

For many who dreaded the last big snowstorm that usually occurs in March, Cleveland won a major reprieve in this El Nino year.

That's according to the latest monthly climate report issued by the National Weather Service on Thursday for the month of March.

Only 1.4 inches of snow fell for the entire month which is nearly 10 inches below normal. Still, the month was not among the top 10 driest according to records from the last 100 years. The all-time driest occured in 1927 when only a trace was recorded at the airport.

Precipitation totals were also well below normal with 1.82 inches of liquid for the month including rain and snow melt. This amount is 1.12" below the normal of 2.94" for March during a normal year. Since January 1st, Cleveland has measured 6.22" for the year, or 1.60" below normal.

Because of the drier than normal conditions, the National Weather Service is also warning wildfires could become an issue this summer if rainfall amounts do not increase this spring.

Temperatures were also well off the normal averages by 4.7 degrees warmer than normal. The month saw an average temperature of 42.2 degrees with the warmest days falling on March 11th and 31st when the thermometer topped out at 71 degrees. The coldest morning started at 20 degrees on March 6th.

Cleveland also enjoyed 21 degrees of clear or partly cloudy skies following on the heels of a very cloudy end to 2009 and beginning to 2010 in the Greater Cleveland area.

Monthly Climate Reports

For monthly climate reports across the area, you can click on any of the following links:

You can also download & print out Channel 3 Weather's monthly almanac with daily highs, lows, sunrise and sunset times, record highs and record lows for each day of the month:

April almanac

Akron: Weather Service Trains More Skywarn Spotters

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 05:11:00 +0000

By Dick Russ
WKYC Reporter
AKRON -- About 150 people were trained to be severe weather spotters, adding to the ranks of Northeast Ohio residents who are qualfied to help the National Weather Service protect people and property.

As Ohio gets closer to "tornado season," the newest Skywarn spotters will know how to recognize the warning signs of impending severe weather.

"Despite advancements in technology like doppler weather radar, satellite, and other surface observations, we still need spotters to give us reality checks so we can put out timely warning," says Gary Garnet of the National Weather Service, who conducted the free two hour seminar.

"Where the technology just tells us something bad is going on, a spotter will let us know exactly what that is," Garnet tells WKYC, "and that's helpful when we put out warnings."

Ohio gets about 15 tornadoes per year, but the National Weather Service issues between 300 to 400 severe weather warnings in Northeast Ohio during the warm weather months.

"You're our eyes and ears out in the field. You report real-time information back to us" Garnet told the people who had gathered for the session. They came from all walks of life.

"We did experience a tornado several years ago," said Copley Police Lt. Luke Marchman. "It came right down Copley Road, jumped Route 21, and jumped over our police station. So it's certainly a concern and something we have first-hand experience with."

A number of law enforcement agencies sent personnel to learn about the warning signs of severe weather. Some companies which do business outdoors were there also. Carl Daniels runs 360 Lawn Care, which has 11 employees.

"We're radio dispatched so we can communicate between trucks rapidly," Daniels explained, "and someone can be on the phone communicating rapidly to the NOAA weather radio service."

Skywarn spotters call the National Weather Service with accurate and detailed reports of severe weather. At the seminar they learned to differentiate between "ordinary" thunderstorms, for example, and those about to become severe.

"I've always wanted to know the structure of storms. I actually wanted to go into meteorology for a while but just never did," said Melissa Winkelman of Massillon who will use her new found skills to help keep her neighborhood on guard.

Same with Jerry Wriston, who grew up in North Carolina where severe thunderstorms were a way of life. "I'd like to learn more so I can be of help to my new neighbors here," he said.

Knowing when to call and when not to, can be a valuable help to the National Weather Service according to Gary Garnet.

"You need to understand a little bit about thunderstorms, you need to understand what are real clues that indicate severe weather is coming versus things that just you see with a normal thunderstorm," he told the class.

The severe weather spotter classes will continue at various locations throughout Northeast Ohio through the months of March and April. Details are available by using the link provided.

Severe Weather Awareness: The Role Of Skywarn Spotters In Helping Save Lives, Property

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 21:08:00 +0000

CLEVELAND -- The National Weather Service has declared this week, March 21st through 27th, as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Ohio.

Save & print WKYC's Severe Weather Safety Guide

Today's topic: Skywarn spotters relay critical weather information

Each year a dedicated group of volunteer weather spotters called "Skywarn" provide weather service offices across Ohio with important eyewitness information about tornadoes, flash floods and damaging thunderstorms.

Skywarn spotters are people with an interest in the weather and an interest in helping others.

By far the largest number of Skywarn spotters in our part of the state are ham radio operators. Amateur radio emergency groups and amateur radio clubs relay important information to emergency management and the weather service by radio.

The Cleveland, Ohio, weather office operates a Skywarn ham radio station whenever tornado watches or warnings are in effect across northeast Ohio. Volunteers at the Cleveland office broadcast radar information about the location of possible tornadoes and solicit reports from Skywarn hams in the area of concern.

New doppler weather radars can identify rotating thunderstorms - sometimes - even before a tornado touches ground. Still, Skywarn spotters are essential to confirm that tornadoes have touched down, to report on the extent of damage and to provide added details of a threat to a community.

To our many friends in the Skywarn program, the National Weather service says thanks for their great help.
If you are interested in becoming involved with Skywarn, please check out the National Weather Service web site:

www.erh.noaa.gov/cle/skywarn/skywarn.html

If you are interested in ham radio, they can help you find a person or radio club in your area that will assist you in getting your ham radio license.

Again as a part of emergency preparedness, the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, County Emergency Managers and those at the National Weather Service want you to know about the fine help that ham radio and other volunteer Skywarn spotters provide to the state.

Severe Weather Awareness: Severe Weather Safety Rules

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:56:00 +0000

CLEVELAND -- The National Weather Service has declared this week, March 21st through 27th, as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Ohio.

Save & print WKYC's Severe Weather Safety Guide

Todays topic: Severe weather safety rules

Severe weather often develops quickly, so it is important that you know severe weather safety rules before the storm hits.

Many times only minutes are available to react when a severe thunderstorm or tornado threatens. Lost seconds can be the difference between life and death.

If you are caught outdoors, you should seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building.
If you cannot quickly walk to a shelter:

Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter.
If flying debris occurs while you are driving, pull over and park.

Now you have the following options as a last resort:

Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows, covering with your hands and a blanket if possible.
If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, exit your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands. Your choice should be driven by your specific circumstances.
If you are in a school, your teacher will direct you to the school's tornado shelter. Kneel on the floor facing the wall with your hands covering your neck and head. Avoid auditoriums and gymnasiums.
In a mall or large buildings, go to the middle of the hall on the lowest level away from windows.
If you live in a mobile home, get out and find a sturdy building and go to the basement or lowest level.
In homes or small buildings, a basement is the safest place, especially if you can get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
If you do not have a basement, seek shelter in a windowless closet, bathroom or inside hall. Try to get under something sturdy and protect your head.

Lightning is a very dangerous component of all thunderstorms. Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors either in or near a thunderstorm. It does not have to be raining in order to be in danger from lightning.

A good rule of thumb is that if you can hear thunder, then you better seek shelter. Lightning can occur up to 10 miles away from rain. Lightning is most likely to strike individuals in open areas like golf courses, lakes, ball fields and farm fields. Also, tall trees have a higher probability of being struck.

The best course of action to protect yourself from lightning is to go indoors well before a thunderstorm strikes. If there are no buildings available...get in an automobile with a metal roof. If you do not touch metal, any lightning strike will then be directed into the ground.

If trapped outdoors, seek shelter in a low area. If in a forest, stay away from the tallest trees and seek shelter in a clump of lower trees or brush. If you feel your hair standing on end, you are about to be struck by lightning. You should immediately crouch down on your knees with your hands behind your head. (try to make yourself as small a target as possible). But, do not lie down.

While indoors during an electrical storm, stay away from windows and do not use hard wired telephones.

Statewide Tornado Drill Set For Wednesday Morning

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:12:00 +0000

By Frank Macek

CLEVELAND -- As part of Ohio's Severe Weather Awareness Week, tornado sirens will be tested across the area Wednesday morning.

Tornado sirens will sound at 9:50 a.m. as state and local officials test the readiness of the state for this year's upcoming severe weather season.

Along with cities testing their sirens, local area schools will also be holding their annual tornado drills to guide students and faculty to safe areas throughout district buildings in the event of a tornado.

Individuals should use this time to test their own readiness inside their homes. Remember, when "Thunder roars, Go indoors!" If threatening weather approaches, you should go to the lowest level of a structure and nearest the center of the building or home, preferably a basement.

Mobile homes are the most unsafe structures to be in during severe weather and should be abandoned if a tornado approaches.

If caught outdoors, one should seek shelter away from trees and find a ditch should other, more suitable structures not be available.

For more information on severe weather safety, be sure to visit the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness website for additional safety tips.

Severe Weather Awareness: Severe Weather Terminology

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 21:50:00 +0000

CLEVELAND -- The National Weather Service has declared this week, March 21st through 27th, as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Ohio.

Save & print WKYC's Severe Weather Safety Guide

Todays topic: Severe weather terminology.

With severe weather season rapidly approaching, it is a good idea to refresh your memory in regard to severe weather terminology.

In Ohio, the peak tornado season runs from April through mid July with most tornadoes occurring between 2 pm and 10 pm. June has been historically the most active month for tornadoes.

However, many of Ohio's most devastating tornado outbreaks have occurred in April and May. Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms have occurred in all months.

The term - watch - when used with tornado or severe thunderstorm means that tornadoes or severe thunderstorms are possible. Watches usually are in effect for several hours and indicate that atmospheric conditions are favorable for severe storms to develop.

When a watch is in effect, you should keep your eye to the sky and make plans for what you need to do if severe weather occurs.

The term - warning - means that either a severe thunderstorm or tornado is eminent or is already occurring. Warnings are usually in effect for 1 hour or less.

If a warning is issued for your area, take action immediately.

A severe thunderstorm is any thunderstorm that produces winds of 58 mph or more and/or hail of 1 inch in diameter or more.

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground. The funnel usually descends from the base of a severe thunderstorm. They are usually wedge shaped with the narrowest end at the ground. Tornado witnesses have heard a "roaring" sound similar to a freight train.

A funnel cloud is a violently rotating column of air that descends from the rain free base of a thunderstorm, but it does not make contact with the ground. A tornado usually passes through the funnel cloud stage during its development and dissipation. Not all funnel clouds become tornadoes, but you should still take cover if one approaches.

Severe Weather Awareness Week: What To Do To Prepare

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 05:11:00 +0000

CLEVELAND -- The National Weather Service has declared this week, March 21st through 27th, as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Ohio.

Save & print WKYC's Severe Weather Safety Guide

Today's Topic: What would you do in case of a tornado????

The National Weather Service urges you to do the following:

Before the storm...
*Now is the time to plan for tornado emergencies. A little planning now may just save your life. Develop a plan for you and your family for home, work, school and outdoors.

*Have frequent drills and know what to do!!!

*Know your county in which you live and keep a map close by to follow storm movement from weather bulletins.

*Have a NOAA weather radio with a warning alarm and battery back-up.

*Listen to radio and tv for up-dated weather information.

If a warning is issued or a tornado approaches.....

*When at home, stay away from windows, doors or outside walls. Go to a basement or interior part of the house on the lowest floor. Cover your head with something sturdy for protection.

*If caught outside, lie flat on low ground and shield your head with wour arms. Watch for possible flooding in low lying areas.

*If in a car or truck, do not try to outrun a tornado. Leave
your vehicle and take cover in a sturdy building. If no building is available, leave your vehicle for lower ground and cover your head.

*Mobile homes offer little protection if threatening weather is approaching. Seek sturdier shelter. If no substantial shelter is nearby, lie flat in a ditch or low ground.

*When in a public building, move to a designated shelter area. These are usually identified in schools...hospitals and other public buildings. Otherwise...go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.

Always remember:

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for
Tornado formation. You should continue your daily routine during a tornado watch...but keep an eye on the sky...keep abreast of current weather information for your area...and be prepared to take quick action if necessary.

A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted on the ground or is indicated by doppler radar. When a warning is issued...move to a safe shelter immediately. Also remember that tornadoes occasionally develop in areas in which a severe thunderstorm watch or warning is in effect. So...remain alert if your county is in a severe thunderstorm watch or warning.

Flood Awareness Week: Flood Safety Terms And Tips

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:15:00 +0000

CLEVELAND -- The National Weather Service has declared this week, March 15th through March 19th, as Flood Safety Awareness Week.

Save & print wkyc.com's "Flood Safety Awareness" guide

Today's topic: Flood safety.

Is flooding really that big of a deal?

Flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other weather related event, an average of $4.6 billion a year in the past 20 years.

Flooding can occur in any of the 50 states or U.S. territories at anytime of the year.

How can I find out if I am in danger from a flood?

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards is one of the best ways to receive warnings from the National Weather Service. This is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather and river information direct from nearby NWS offices.

Also, the NWS web page identifies where flooding is occurring: www.weather.gov/water.

How do I know how severe a flood will be?

Once a river reaches flood stage, the flood severity categories used by the NWS include minor flooding, moderate flooding, and major flooding. Each category has a definition based on property damage And public threat.

Minor flooding: minimal or no property damage, but possibly some public threat or inconvenience.
Moderate flooding: some inundation of structures and roads near streams. Some evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations are necessary.
Major flooding: extensive inundation of structures and roads. Significant evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations.

The impacts of a floods vary locally. For each NWS river forecast location, flood stage and the stage associated with each of the NWS flood severity categories are established in cooperation with local public officials.

Increasing river levels above flood stage constitute minor, moderate, and major flooding. Impacts vary from one river location to another because a certain river stage height in one location may have an entirely different impact than the same level above flood stage at another location.

What's the difference between a flood and flash flood?

A flood occurs when prolonged rainfall over several days, intense rainfall over a short period of time, or an ice or debris jam causes a river or stream to overflow and flood the surrounding area.

Melting snow can combine with rain in the winter and early spring.

Severe Thunderstorms can bring heavy rain in the spring and summer.

Tropical cyclones can bring intense rainfall to the coastal and inland states in the summer and fall.

A flash flood occurs in a much shorter period of time. Commonly it can occur within six hours of a heavy rain event. However flash floods can also occur within hours or minutes after a dam or levee failure, or following a sudden release of water held by an ice or debris jam, or rapid ponding of water caused by torrential rainfall.

Flash floods can catch people unprepared. You will not always have a warning that these deadly, sudden floods are coming.

So, if you live In areas prone to flash floods, plan now to protect your family and property. The use of the word flash here is synonymous with urgent.

Is there anything I can do to prepare for a flood?

How to reduce potential flood damage and what to include in a family disaster plan can be obtained from the American Red Cross. The NWS works with and relies on strategic partners involved in floodplain management, flood hazard mitigation, flood preparedness, and flood warnings to reduce the loss of life and property due to floods.

Key partners include the U.S. Geological Survey, FEMA, the National Hydrologic Warning Council, the Association of State Floodplain Managers, the American Red Cross, the National Safety Council, the Federal Alliance For Safe Homes, the Weather Channel and other media outlets, and many other government and private sector organizations.

Flood Awareness Week: Determining Flood Risk and Flood Insurance

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:34:00 +0000

CLEVELAND -- The National Weather Service has declared this week, March 15th through March 19th, as Flood Safety Awareness Week.

Save & print wkyc.com's "Flood Safety Awareness" guide

Today's topic: Determining flood risk and flood insurance.

What is flood insurance?

In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program or NFIP in response to the rising cost of taxpayer funded disaster relief for flood victims and the increasing amount of damage caused by floods.

Why do I need flood insurance?

Flood losses aren't covered by your homeowners insurance policy. Local flooding can happen in all parts of the country at almost any time of the year. Flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other weather related event, an average of $4.6 billion a year in the past 20 years.

How do I obtain a flood insurance policy?

You can purchase national flood insurance from private insurance companies and agents. In fact, you may be able to purchase it with a credit card. Currently, there are over 100 insurance companies that sell national flood insurance coverage, in addition to some 60,000 independent insurance agents. If the seller of the property has flood insurance coverage on the building, that policy can be assigned to the buyer at the time of
closing.

If the mortgage company requires flood insurance as a condition of the loan, the lender may escrow flood insurance premiums, making it easy to ensure that you will not get caught without flood insurance when a flood threatens your home.

Who can purchase flood insurance?

Anyone in a community that participates in the national flood insurance program can purchase building and/or contents coverage, with a few exceptions. Coastal barrier resources system areas, otherwise protected areas, and buildings principally below ground or entirely over water are not eligible for national flood insurance.

Flood Awareness Week: Inland Flooding Caused By Tropical Systems

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:00:00 +0000

CLEVELAND -- The National Weather Service has declared this week, March 15th through March 19th, as Flood Safety Awareness Week.

Save & print wkyc.com's "Flood Safety Awareness" guide

Today's topic: Tropical cyclone inland flooding.

When it comes to tropical cyclones, a generic term for a hurricane, typhoon or tropical storm, wind speeds do not tell the whole story. Intense rainfall, not directly related to the wind speed of a tropical cyclone, often causes more damage.

Since the 1970s, inland flooding has been responsible for more than half of the deaths associated with tropical cyclones in the United States. Typically, greater rainfall amounts and flooding are associated with tropical cyclones that have a slow forward speed or stall over an area.

What do I need to know about inland flooding from tropical cyclones?

Inland freshwater floods accounted for more than half of U.S. tropical cyclone deaths over the past 30 years. Rainfall is typically heavier with slower moving storms as slower moving tropical cyclones allow heavy rain to persist over a location.

What types of inland flooding are caused by tropical cyclones?

Flash Flooding occurs in creeks, streams, and urban areas within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall. Rapidly rising water can reach heights of 30 feet or more. Streets can become swift moving rivers and underpasses can become death traps.

River flooding occurs from heavy rains associated with decaying hurricanes or tropical storms, and in extreme cases, river floods can last a week or more.

How do I know how severe a flood will be?

Within flood warning products, the NWS conveys the magnitude of observed or forecast flooding using flood severity categories. These flood severity categories include minor flooding, moderate flooding, and major flooding.

Each category has a definition based on property damage and public threat.

Minor flooding: minimal or no property damage, but possibly some public threat or inconvenience.

Moderate flooding: some inundation of structures and roads near streams. Some evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations are necessary.

Major flooding: extensive inundation of structures and roads. Significant evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations.

The impacts of a floods vary locally. For each NWS river forecast location, flood stage and the stage associated with each of the NWS flood severity categories are established in cooperation with local public officials.

Increasing river levels above flood stage constitute minor, moderate, and major flooding. Impacts vary from one river location to another because a certain river stage (height) in one location may have an entirely different impact than the same level above flood stage at another location.

Flood Awareness Week: Turn Around, Don't Drown

fmacek@wkyc.com (Frank Macek) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:52:00 +0000

CLEVELAND -- The National Weather Service has declared this week, March 15th through March 19th, Flood Safety Awareness Week.

Save & print wkyc.com's "Flood Safety Awareness" guide

Each day this week, we are bringing you a different topic about flood safety. Today's topic: "Turn around, Don't drown," or TADD. TADD is a NOAA National Weather Service campaign to warn people of the hazards of walking or driving a vehicle through flood waters.

Why is "Turn around, Don't drown" so important?

Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other severe weather related hazard. The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. More than half of all flood related deaths result from vehicles being swept downstream. Of these, many are preventable.

What can I do to avoid getting caught is this situation?

Follow these simple safety rules:

Monitor NOAA weather radio all hazards, or your favorite news source for vital weather related information.
If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc.
Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. "Turn around, Don't drown."
Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. Never drive through flooded roadways. "Turn around, Don't drown."
Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.