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Understand Weather Alerts to Stay Safe | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County
7/13/2022 (Permalink)
There are a number of different kinds of weather alerts, around 42 types to be exact! They are separated into seven different groups. That’s a lot to try and comprehend, especially when a severe storm is on the way.
When you understand what a warning or advisory could mean for your area, you’ll know how to prepare yourself and your family for any weather. You can also safeguard your property to keep your home safe from the hazards of severe weather.
While it is beneficial to have a basic understanding of all weather scenarios, it is even more crucial to know what kind of weather may impact Forsyth County.
So, how are these weather alerts determined to begin with? Since weather forecasts are simply a best guess, how is the magnitude, position and length of a storm tracked? There are various elements that influence the delivery of these warnings.
The National Weather Service is responsible for predicting the weather and sending out warnings as conditions develop. To allow these warnings to be more specific, there are six regional offices and hundreds of sub-offices located throughout the nation. You’ll find Winston-Salem’s alerts coming from the Eastern Region headquarters in Bohemia, New York, along with a nearby office.
Meteorologists and other personnel with the NWS use many kinds of findings to create forecasts, including satellite radar, sensors, seismic activity meters and even solar activity. While the kind of information used depends on the extremity of the weather scenario, the objective is to be as precise and detailed as possible.
The distinction between a “watch” and a “warning” is key to interpreting these alerts. These terms are used in almost all weather alerts, including those for thunderstorms, winter storms and flooding.
A watch means a storm is on the rise and could potentially become hazardous. Watches are often sent out in a larger area, while a warning is issued in a smaller area that may only cover a county or city. A warning, on the other hand, means dangerous weather is approaching and you should take immediate precautions to protect your home and your life.
Understanding what types of weather might impact your local community on a regular basis can help you better interpret the alerts that could be issued during severe weather. Here in our area, we face many types of weather during the course of a year. We sometimes see wintry precipitation, but our springs and summers are toasty and humid, conditions that are ripe for thunderstorms.
Being able to understand these warnings is a surefire way to prepare yourself and your property for severe weather, but there are a few additional things you can do right now to help minimize the damage.
Clearing your gutters of debris and fastening any outdoor items are two ways you can prepare for storms to prevent flood damage and wind damage. Locate a safe shelter with supplies and have an evacuation plan ready in case your family needs to make a swift exit.
After a storm, record any damage your home may have suffered and contact our team at SERVPRO of West Forsyth County. We are here for you 24⁄7 and want to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.
The more weather-aware you are, the safer you can stay when severe weather affects your community. Learn about the many kinds of warnings that could be issued for your home so you can prepare for any weather that comes your way.
Experienced storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today at 336-946-1131 for a quick response!