PLEASE BECOME FAMILIAR WITH WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT
SEVERE WEATHER WATCHES OR WARNINGS ARE ISSUED FOR OUR AREA.
Downloadable and printable safety tips
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LINKS TO OTHER TORNADO INFORMATION
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS
A thunderstorm is a violent example of convection. Convection is the process in which cold upper air sinks and warm air rises. As the warm air rises, cumulonimbus clouds, called "thunderheads" develop. These clouds create the thunderstorm which develops strong winds, lightning, hail, and rain. Lightning, the discharge of electricity within the storm cloud, always accompanies a thunderstorm.
Thunderheads may be miles wide at the cloud base and reach heights of 40,000 feet or more. They can generate large amounts of rain or hail on localized areas. Violent lightning can strike the ground several miles away from its parent cloud and, more importantly, tornadoes and flash floods can be caused by thunderstorms.
At any given moment, nearly 2,000 thunderstorms are in progress over the earth's surface. Their frequency and potential for violence make them one of nature's greatest threats to life and property.
SIGNS AND WARNINGS
Lightning, thunder, and cumulonimbus clouds occur together. Dark, towering, or threatening clouds are the first indication of possible thunderstorms. Distant lightning and thunder is another sign. Because light travels much faster than sound, lightning flashes can be seen long before the resulting thunder is heard. Thunderstorms may occur singly, in clusters, or in line formation. Thus, it is possible that several thunderstorms may affect a community within a short period of time.
The National Severe Storms Forecast Center in Kansas City, Missouri issues severe thunderstorm watches. A severe thunderstorm watch means that conditions are such that thunderstorms may occur in the Stamford and/or Jones/Haskell area. The San Angelo Office of the National Weather Service will then issue warnings and statements about severe weather and localized storms.
A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a thunderstorm is producing lightning and/or damaging winds greater than 58 miles per hour, hail greater than 3/4 of an inch in diameter, and heavy rain.
IMMEDIATE DANGERS
Lightning presents the greatest immediate danger during a thunderstorm. Lightning kills more people than tornadoes, floods, or hurricanes combined. In addition, property loss is estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Flash floods and tornadoes may develop during thunderstorms. Hail can severely damage agricultural crops, structures, automobiles, etc.
PREPAREDNESS
Each family should designate a safe area in their home to provide shelter during a severe thunderstorm. All family members should be instructed in what to do during a storm if they are at home, outside, or in a car.
A supply of candles and matches, and/or a flashlight and extra batteries should be kept on hand. A battery powered radio or television is also advisable in order to listen to weather and emergency warning reports.
RESPONSE
During a severe storm stay completely away from any body of water that might attract lightning. It is equally wise to get away from tractors and all farm equipment.
Other potential lightning attractors to be avoided are: golf clubs, golf carts, fishing rods, bicycles, a tree or a shed standing by itself in a field or on top of a hill. Individuals should stay far away from the tallest object in an area. In a wooded area, find shelter under a low clump of trees. If there is a large tree in the area, stay twice as far away from it as the tree is tall. Avoid hilltops, and seek shelter in a low spot such as a ravine or valley or other depression.
If you are in a car, pull safely onto the shoulder of the road and turn on your emergency flashers until heavy rains subside.
A person struck by lightning will receive a severe electrical shock and may be burned, but will carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely. It is essential to initiate first aid and call emergency medical assistance immediately.
TORNADO
Tornadoes are relatively short-lived local storms. They are violently rotating columns of air that descend in the familiar funnel shape from thunderstorms. The destructive path of a tornado averages approximately 250 yards in width and 15 miles in length. In extreme conditions, however, a tornado may travel over 300 miles and leave a path of total destruction over a mile wide. Tornadoes will travel between 0 and 60 miles per hour with wind speeds approaching 400 miles per hour within the tornado's center or vortex.
SIGNS AND WARNINGS
Since tornadoes develop during severe thunderstorms, stay tuned to a local television or radio station for tornado reports anytime thunderstorms are active.
If you are outside, look for a funnel shaped cloud with obvious rotating motion at the base of the thunderstorm cloud. As a tornado develops, it will produce a loud roar that grows louder as the funnel cloud touches the ground. A "Tornado Watch" indicates that conditions are right for a tornado to develop and that the sky should be monitored. A "Tornado Warning" indicates a tornado has been sighted or is indicated on radar and confirmed by spotters. Warnings will provide the location of a tornado, and the immediate area affected. If a tornado is in the Amarillo and/or Potter/Randall area, all warning systems will be activated.
IMMEDIATE DANGERS
The immediate danger from tornadoes is loss of life and severe injuries caused by debris hurled through the air by violent winds. Tornadoes also cause extensive property damage.
PREPAREDNESS
The best preparation for a tornado is to know the safest possible locations to go to in the event of a warning. Naturally a storm cellar or basement offers the safest protection. Other good locations are:
1. In a house or apartment with no basement available, go to a first floor room, putting as many walls between you and the tornado as possible. A small windowless room or bathroom offers good protection. If you don't have a small room get under solid furniture or cover yourself with a mattress. Plan tornado drills with your family so everyone knows what to do.
2. Determine the location of designated shelters where you work or go to school. If there are none, insist that the business or school management develop a plan which provides for adequate shelter and safety.
3. If you are in an office building, shopping mall, or other public building, move to a predesignated public shelter. Stay inside the building -- don't run to your car. You are generally safer inside a substantial structure than in the open. If a predesignated shelter cannot be found immediately, move to a central area on the lowest floor possible. Stay away from windows and large open areas with wide, unsupported roofs that could collapse easily. Try to find a small room like a closet, restroom, or storeroom or get close to heavy shelving or counters. Stairwells also make good shelters if they are windowless and in the interior of the building.
RESPONSE
When a Tornado Warning is issued, immediately take shelter. Do not stay in a trailer or mobile home, instead go to a designated shelter, or outside and lay flat in a nearby ditch, ravine or ground depression.
Do not drive. It is a proven fact you are safer in a home or basement shelter than in a vehicle. If you are caught driving in the city, get out of your vehicle and go into a nearby building. If you are in open country and spot a tornado, drive at a right angle to the tornado's path if you can safely do so. If not, get out of your vehicle and lie flat in the nearest depression, such as a ditch, culvert, or ravine. Be sure the depression is between you and the tornado, protect your head and stay low to the ground.
After a tornado passes, keep tuned to a local radio or television station for an "all-clear" signal before leaving your shelter. Sometimes more than one tornado will develop during a violent storm so care should be taken to remain on alert.
FLOOD AND FLASH FLOOD
The transformation of a calm, slowly flowing river, creek or stream into a violent and destructive flood occurs hundreds of times each year. Floods can be slow rising or sudden. Floods can be seasonal, as when winter or spring rains and melting snow drain down stream beds, filling river basins with too much water too quickly. Flash floods are usually the result of extremely heavy rain or melting snow and are sudden.
SIGNS AND WARNINGS
Floods and flash floods almost always occur during or after a period of heavy precipitation. A flood may be building in the area when local streams begin flowing more swiftly and at a noticeably higher level than normal. Listen to your radio or television for flood stage forecasts and warnings.
A flood warning tells the expected severity of flooding (minor, moderate, or major), as well as where and when flooding will occur. A flash flood warning is the most urgent type of flood warning issued. Immediate action must be taken to reach higher ground if this warning is issued for an area.
IMMEDIATE DANGERS
The immediate danger from flash floods is from the strength of the water current as it surges through an area. The current carries debris and causes drowning, other related injuries and building and property damage.
Slowly developing floods can interrupt power, disable natural gas supplies, and make roads impassable. People may be stranded or unable to reach their homes.
PREPAREDNESS
It is recommended to stockpile emergency building materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber when notice is provided that flooding is imminent.
Keep your car fueled, because if electric power is disrupted, gas station pumps may be out of operation for several days.
Make family evacuation plans. If you are in a flash flood area, have several alternate routes to insure rapid evacuation.
Maintain emergency supplies such as a first aid kit, canned foods and other foods that require little cooking and no refrigeration. A portable radio or television, emergency cooking equipment, and flashlights should all be maintained in a designated area.
Store drinking water in jugs, bottles, and pans for use in case public or private water sources become contaminated.
RESPONSE
In a flash flood, the primary thing to do is move immediately to high ground. Because of the speed in which a flash flood may occur, you have no time to save any possessions, or implement any precautionary measures. Save your life by moving to high ground without any hesitation. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream where water is above your knees.
Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road or street as you can become stranded or trapped. If your car stalls while in flowing water, abandon it immediately. Vehicles offer little to no protection in the face of a raging flood.
During a slow rising type of flood you should:
1. Secure all outdoor items or store them inside along with valuable household possessions on upperlevels.
2. Move vehicles, machinery, and all livestock to higher ground.
3. Check emergency food and water supplies. Keep these necessities high and dry.
4. Listen to radio and television announcements from Department of Emergency Management officials. If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. Use only those routes recommended because any other route could be blocked or otherwise made impassable by flooding.
If there is time before evacuation, turn off all utilities at the main switch point. Do not touch any electrical equipment unless it is in a dry area, or you are well insulated with rubber footwear and gloves
Outdoor Warning System
The City of Stamford maintains 2
outdoor warning sirens located within the city limits. These sirens
are located ontop of the Public Library and the Stamford High School Gym.
The system is operated by the Stamford Volunteer Fire Department.
These sirens are designed to alert citizens, who are outdoors, to a problem
in the community. Outdoor warning sirens are not designed to be heard
indoors.
When sounded, citizens should take the appropriate action and remember to
listen to a radio or television for emergency warning details.
Indoor Alerting and Information System
Several major manufacturers currently have a NOAA All Weather Radios that will keep you informed during a severe weather event/ Style and price will vary, but all will keep you informed 24 hours a day on current weather in the Big Country area.
NOAA Weather Radio (162.400 Mhz)
NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts National
Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts, and other hazard information
24 hours a day. Known as the "voice of the National Weather Service",
NOAA Weather Radio is provided as a public service by the Department of
Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The National Weather Service in San Angelo operates on 162.400 MHz in its
service area which is located in Abilene Texas.
For more information go to the National Weather Service San Angelo web