Wild Weather

As record has it, the English settlers and Wampanoag Indians had nice weather during the first Thanksgiving harvest celebration in 1621 – but not every Thanksgiving holiday has been so pleasant. A major winter storm in the Eastern United States in 1950 generated near 100-mile per hour wind gusts in the northeast, crop damage and record-low temperatures in the south and southeastern states, heavy flooding along the northeastern coast and significant snowfall in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. On Thanksgiving Day, Springfield, Illinois set a rainfall record of 1.47 inches in 1968; Buffalo, New York saw record snowfall of 10.3 inches in 1952. Oakland, California even saw a record low temperature of 36 degrees last year. More memorable Thanksgiving weather events.

The number of long-distance trips increases by 54 percent over the Thanksgiving holiday. Whether you are traveling 50 miles or 500, it is important to be ready for all kinds of weather.

Stay Safe on the Roads

• Get a check-up. Check tire pressure when tires are cold and adjust as necessary (don’t forget the spare!), replace worn or broken wiper blades, add freeze-resistant windshieldwiper fluid if needed, and check battery connections and cables. If your car battery is more than three years old, you may want a professional to test it.
• Build an emergency kit. Make sure your car is equipped with a scraper, flashlight, blankets, cell phones, booster cables and emergency flares or cones. Have water and non-perishable food like energy or granola bars on hand, too.

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• Slow down. Allow yourself at least eight to ten seconds of stopping time – even longer if driving on ice.
• Stop before you talk. If you need to use your cell phone, pull into a parking area or to the side of the road before making the call.
• Steer clear. Know what to do if your car skids:
  • Rear wheels skid: Remove your foot from the gas pedal, steer the wheel in the direction you want your car to go and pump the brakes gently if you have standard brakes or apply gentle pressure to the brakes if you have anti-lock brakes (ABS).
  • Front wheels skid: Remove your foot from the gas pedal and put the car in neutral. The wheels will start to skid and slow the vehicle down, as traction starts to return steer the car in the direction you want it to go then put the car in drive and accelerate gently.
• Be ready for rain. During periods of heavy rain, reduce your speed and put on your car’s hazard lights so that other drivers can see you more easily. If it is difficult to see through heavy rain, pull over and wait for the storm to pass.

Save Gas

• Carpool. The average long-distance trip during Thanksgiving is about 215 miles. If you have friends and family nearby that are going to the same place, travel together to save gas and reduce the number of cars on the road.
• Go easy on the gas pedal. Accelerate gradually to get better gas mileage.
• Don’t idle. If you stop to eat or stretch your legs, turn the car completely off. Idling for two minutes uses the same amount of gas used to drive one mile!
• Pack lightly. Extra weight in the car or trunk decreases fuel efficiency.

Snow image above courtesy of NOAA.

(Sources: Examiner. “Thanksgiving cold weather breaks record across California.” http://www.examiner.com/top-news-in-san-francisco/thanksgiving-cold-weather-breaks-records-across-california; AAA. “Five Things AAA Says Drivers Should Do Before Thanksgiving Road Trips.” http://newsroom.aaa.com/2010/11/2010-thanksgiving-road-trips; Research and Innovative Technology Administration. “U.S. Holiday Travel.” http://www.bts.gov/publications/america_on_the_go/us_holiday_travel/html/entire.html; Iowa DOT. “Safe-driving tips for the holidays.” http://www.iowadot.gov/tips.pdf; Environmental Protection Agency. “Tips to Save Gas and Improve Mileage.” http://www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/17-tips.pdf; Green Your. “Avoid Car Idling.” http://www.greenyour.com/transportation/car/car-driving/tips/avoid-car-idling)

• Pacific Northwest: There are several volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest, including Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier and Mount Hood. Volcanic eruptions can impact local weather. Eruptions emit particles and gases into the atmosphere, creating a haze. This haze can remain in the air for years, reflecting the sun’s rays and reducing temperatures at the Earth’s surface.

  (Image right: Aerial view of Mount St. Helens. NASA Earth Observatory)

• Western US: The Sierra Nevada Mountains that run north-south through California basically separate the Western United States into a wetter (west) side and a drier (east) side. Storms come off the Pacific Ocean from the west and get lifted up by the Sierra Nevada Mountains – a process called orographic lifting. As these storms rise, they cool and condense, raining a lot of water back onto the ground.

  But, as the storms continue to make their way over the top of the mountains to the east, they don’t dump as much rain because they have already lost a lot of moisture. This causes a rain shadow to form on the east side of the mountain range where there is a low amount of rainfall. The rain shadow from the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountains impacts the weather in the Great Basin, which covers most of Nevada and parts of Utah.

  (Image right: Rain shadow formation. Wikimedia Commons)

• Great Lakes: The Great Lakes region is known for its lake effect snow. As cold air passes over the Lakes, warmer lake water below evaporates and heats the bottom layer of cold air.  Warm, moist air rises and cools, causing condensation and cloud formation. If humidity is high enough and temperatures are cold enough, snow falls.  Winds push these clouds over land, where increased friction slows the winds, leading to more snowfall accumulation.  As winds move farther inland and encounter hills, rising air cools even more, creating even more snow!

  (Image right: Lake effect snow over the Great Lakes. NASA Earth Observatory)

• Great Plains: The Great Plains may be known as Tornado Alley, but their topography allows for another weather phenomena – blizzards! The Rocky Mountains to the west are the driving force for blizzards in the Great Plains.  A cold polar air mass that moves off the Rockies pushes southward accompanied by high winds, intense cold and considerable amounts of snow that can last for several days.

  (Image right: Blizzard conditions over the Great Plains. NASA Earth Observatory)

• South Central US: Droughts are periods of unusually dry weather that the South Central United States experiences at times – including right now.  Droughts can bring upon dust storms, which are common in arid and semi-arid regions.  A dust storm occurs when a gust of wind blows loose sand or dust particles off the ground, breaks down the particles and keeps them suspended in the air.  Dust storms can spread over hundreds of miles and well over 10,000 feet into the air.

  (Image right: Dust storm in Phoenix, 2011. NOAA National Weather Service)




• Eastern US: One geographic feature that affects the entire East Coast is the Atlantic Ocean.  The ocean plays a big role in determining the temperatures near the coast.  During  fall and winter when the ocean is warmer than the land, the coastal regions experience warmer temperatures than inland areas.  In the springtime, ocean breezes keep temperatures along the coast cooler than inland areas.

  (Image right: Sea breeze diagram. Wikimedia Commons: Jesús Gómez Fernández)

Learn more about Geography Awareness Week: www.nationalgeographic.com/geography-action/index.html.

(Sources: National Science Teachers Association, “Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis”, http://www.enviroliteracy.org/nsfmod/NaturesFury.pdf, “A Rain Shadow”, http://bcs.whfreeman.com/thelifewire/content/chp56/5602001.html, “Warm water helps create Great Lakes snowstorms.” University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. 2008, US Department of State, “The Great Plains and Prairies”, http://countrystudies.us/united-states/geography-17.htm, Kidz World, “Dust Storms”, http://www.kidzworld.com/article/707-dust-storm-on-the-loose, “Cold air damming can bring ice to East.” http://www.usatoday.com/weather/tg/wcolddam/wcolddam.htm, “Warm water helps create Great Lakes snowstorms.” University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. 2008., United States Search and Rescue Task Force, “Predicting Weather”, http://www.ussartf.org/predicting_weather.htm)

Viewer Tip: Studies of wildfires suggest wind-borne embers reaching a roof or other flammable material on your house are the biggest threat. Removing leaf litter and debris from gutters and underneath decks and other overhangs is important, as is using non-flammable roofing, deck and other materials when possible.  You can also clear your property of fallen limbs and prune lower tree branches to help reduce the fuel load for a wildfire nearby.  Clearing from 30 to 100 feet around your house is recommended.  Avoid highly flammable vegetation near your house, such as Ashe juniper, agarita and conifers.  Climbing vines on walls can start a house fire, as can attached fences or porches made of flammable material.  Avoid mowing dried grass and remove dry vegetation, rocks and other debris that might produce sparks in a parched lawn before mowing.

This information is provided by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower center. Learn more at csfs.colostate.edu/pdfs/wholenotebook.pdf, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Website at www.wildflower.org.

Viewer Tip: September is National Preparedness Month. Are you prepared? Make sure you have the supplies and information you need to stay safe if a natural disaster or other emergency occurs in your area.

• Get a Kit. Keep an emergency supply kit at home that will cover the basics of survival: food, fresh water, clean air and warmth. Find a list of suggested emergency supply kit items at www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html.
• Have a Plan. All family members should know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in different emergency situations. Find out if workplaces, daycares and schools have emergency plans. Get tips for making an emergency plan at www.ready.gov/america/makeaplan/index.html.
• Consider Your Needs. Remember that additional planning may be required for older individuals, family members who are disabled or require special medications or medical treatments, and pets.
  • Tips for older individuals: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/seniors.html
  • Tips for people with disabilities or special needs: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/disabled.html
  • Tips for pet owners: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/pets.html
• Know Your Stuff. Find out what kinds of natural and man-made disasters may occur in your area. Know how you will be notified of an emergency in your community (TV or radio broadcasts, sirens, telephone calls, etc.), and learn about emergency plans established by your state or local government. Links for community and state preparedness information can be found at www.ready.gov/america/local/index.html.

(Sources: NOAA NCDC. “Billion Dollar U.S. Weather/Climate Disasters.” http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/reports/billionz.html#chron’ National Preparedness Month 2011. http://community.fema.gov/connect.ti/READYNPM)

Viewer Tip: When the water goes down, keep these tips in mind to assess damage and begin clean-up activities safely:

• Pay close attention to your local media for information on areas of your community that are not safe. Do not enter any neighborhood or building that officials have deemed unsafe.
• Use Common Sense. Flood waters can weaken building foundations, damage electrical systems, and may contain bacteria or viruses that can make you sick.  Winds have downed power lines, and broken trees and windows.  If you have technical questions or are not sure about the safety of your home or building, call a professional for help.  Many cities impacted by storms will set up help lines for residents.
• When you enter any area affected by the storm, use extreme caution.
  • Wear sturdy shoes to avoid cut feet – a common injury during clean-up activities.
  • Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights.  Check for fire hazards, such as broken gas lines or damaged electrical wires and appliances.
  • Check walls, stairs, doors, windows, and foundation for damage, and leave immediately if the building appears unstable.
  • Check for sewage or water line damage.  If you suspect damage, avoid using the plumbing, and do not use tap water.
  • Keep an eye out for animals, who may have been displaced from their homes.  Snakes and rodents may be hiding in flood waters or confined areas.

  Learn more about returning home after a natural disaster at www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/hurricanes.html.

(Sources: The American Red Cross and National Disaster Coalition. “Repairing Your Flooded Home.” http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_570_,00.html)

Viewer tip:  Find out if you live in a potential flood zone by visiting www.floodsmart.gov. Prepare a flood emergency action plan before a storm hits and evacuate immediately if told to do so.  Try to keep track of road conditions through your local radio or television station and stay away from flooded roadways.  Just six-inches of flowing water can knock you off your feet and most vehicles can be swept away in just 18- to 24-inches of water.  

(Sources: National Hurricane Center: Flooding: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/inland_flood.shtml; NOAA National Weather Service, http://www.nws.noaa.gov/, NWS TADD Campaign: www.weather.gov/os/water/tadd)

Viewer Tip: In 2011, there have been 13 lightning fatalities* in the United States – all of them have occurred outdoors. Lightning may strike up to ten miles outside of heavy rainfall.  Keep these tips in mind to stay safe.

• Look and listen for cues. If you hear thunder, you are in danger from lightning.  Seeing lightning and hearing thunder very close together means that lightning is striking nearby.
• Avoid “natural lightning rods.” Lightning is attracted to metal, poles and rods.  Avoid golf clubs, baseball bats, fishing poles, bicycles, tractors and camping equipment during a storm.
• Find shelter. A sturdy building is the safest place during a thunderstorm.  Avoid gazebos, baseball dugouts, picnic shelters, golf carts, bleachers and other isolated objects in open spaces.

Find more lightning safety tips from National Weather Service: www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/overview.htm.

*This number has been updated. For the latest statistics, visit http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/fatalities.htm.

(Sources: National Weather Service. “When Lightning Roars, Go Indoors!” http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/ and Coalition of Organizations for Disaster Education. “Talking about disaster: Guide for standard messages.” https://www.crossnet.org/disaster/disasterguide/; NWS Lightning Safety: Fatalities, http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/fatalities.htm)

Viewer Tip: To prevent insects from spreading and breeding on your property after heavy rains or a flood, use these tips:

• Empty any kind of standing or stagnant water from buckets, flower pots, children’s toys and other places likely to hold water.
• Clear out clogged gutters and check on flat roofs that may have poor drainage.
• Clean up any debris such as twigs, stones and piles of lumber where insects may breed or hide.
• Patch any damaged screens to prevent insects from coming into your home.

(Sources: North Dakota State University Extension, www.ag.ndsu.edu/extension; Alabama Cooperative Extension System, www.aces.edu/main)

Viewer Tip: This is the perfect time to make a family disaster plan. NOAA’s National Hurricane Center offers these tips for creating your family disaster plan:

• Discuss the types of hazards that could affect your home and check your insurance coverage. Many home insurance policies do not cover flood damage.
• Learn evacuation routes for your community and choose a meeting place for family members. Designate an out-of-state friend or family member as a point of contact for all family members in case you are separated.
• Choose a safe room in your home in case you have to shelter in place. Put together a disaster supply kit. For a list of items to include in your kit, visit www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/supply_kit.shtml.
• Make a plan for pets in the event of evacuation. Most shelters will not allow pets.
• Have a NOAA Weather Radio handy to listen for weather information and warnings.

Learn more about National Hurricane Preparedness Week at www.nhc.noaa.gov/outreach/prepared_week.shtml.

Viewer Tip: This is good time to remember some basic weather safety tips that will keep you and your family safe.

• Heat: Even when the outside temperature is relatively mild (about 70 degrees) the temperature inside a sealed car can rise quickly – up to 40 degrees in 60 minutes. Please don’t leave kids or pets alone in a car, even for a few minutes.
• Floods: As winter snow melts and rain falls, floods will occur in some parts of the country. Remember the National Weather Service’s advice to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Never cross flooded roads or pathways in a car or on foot – find another, safe route.
• Lightning: If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike. The only safe place when lightning is nearby is inside a substantial building or a metal-topped vehicle.

This information is provided by the American Meteorological Society, a partner in National Public Health Week.

Viewer Tip: If you find yourself without power, use fireplaces, wood stoves, candles and other heating devices carefully.  When building a fire, be sure that the fireplace damper is open – smoke inside your home is a signal that your fireplace or stove is not working correctly. Never use charcoal grills or other unvented fuel-burning appliances to heat your home. Additionally, keep a first aid kit for your home in case of emergency. Some items to include: Bandages, antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, non-latex gloves, sterile gauze pads, tweezers and scissors.

This information is from Weather and Health, a free online course produced by the COMET Program and NEEF. Access the course at www.meted.ucar.edu/broadcastmet/wxrx/ (free registration is required).

Viewer Tip: Visit www.floodsmart.gov and enter your home address into the “One Step Flood Profile” to find out what your flood risk is and learn more about flood insurance options in your area.  You can also visit “The Cost of Flooding” tool on the Flood Smart website to learn how much it might cost to repair damages from a few inches of flood water in your home.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: National Flood Insurance Program. “Flood Facts” and “Flooding and Flood Risks.” www.floodsmart.gov)

Viewer Tip: You can protect your home and property from wind damage with these simple tips:

• Bring backyard items, like patio furniture, garbage cans and children’s toys, inside when high winds are in the forecast.
• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed. Remove dead, diseased or damaged branches.
• If you live an in area that frequently experiences high winds, consider replacing rock and gravel landscaping with shredded materials, like wood mulch.

Find more tips for protecting your property from wind damage at the Institute for Business and Home Safety’s DisasterSafety.org: www.disastersafety.org/main.asp?id=1187

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(Source: Institute for Business and Home Safety. “High Winds: Surroundings – Protect Your Yard.” http://www.disastersafety.org/projects/?id=1901&category=1187)

Viewer Tip: Are you prepared? Make sure you have the supplies and information you need to stay safe if a natural disaster or other emergency occurs in your area.

• Get a Kit. Keep an emergency supply kit at home that will cover the basics of survival: food, fresh water, clean air and warmth. Find a list of suggested emergency supply kit items at www.ready.gov/america/npm10/getakit.html.
• Have a Plan. All family members should know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in different emergency situations. Find out if workplaces, daycares and schools have emergency plans. Get tips for making an emergency plan at www.ready.gov/america/npm10/makeaplan.html.
• Consider Your Needs. Remember that additional planning may be required for older Americans, family members who are disabled or require special medications or medical treatments, and pets.
  • Tips for older Americans: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/seniors.html
  • Tips for people with disabilities or special needs: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/disabled.html
  • Tips for pet owners: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/pets.html
• Know Your Stuff. Find out what kinds of natural and man-made disasters may occur in your area. Know how you will be notified of an emergency in your community, TV or radio broadcasts, sirens, telephone calls, etc., and learn about emergency plans established by your state or local government. Links for community and state preparedness information can be found at www.ready.gov/america/local/index.html.

Season: Fall

(Sources: FEMA. August 2009. “Personal Preparedness in America: Findings from the 2009 Citizen Corps National Survey.” http://www.citizencorps.gov/pdf/2009_Citizen%20Corps_National%20Survey_Findings.pdf;  National Preparedness Month 2010. http://www.ready.gov/america/npm10/index.html)

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Viewer Tip: Lightning strikes the Earth 20 million times per year!  The best place to be during a thunderstorm is indoors. If you do get caught outdoors, these tips can help reduce your risk of being struck by lightning:

• If you are boating or swimming, get to land immediately.
• Take shelter in your vehicle, if possible.  Picnic shelters, dugouts and tents are not safe shelters during a storm.
• If you cannot get to a vehicle, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles.  Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
• Get off of elevated areas, like hills, peaks or mountain ridges. Do not take shelter under a cliff or rocky overhang.
• Never lie flat on the ground.

Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning!

Learn more about lightning safety from NOAA’s National Weather Service: www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/index.htm.

Viewer Tip: While it’s important to clean up fallen trees and branches that may be dangerous – such as those that may impact boater navigation or swimming areas – remember that it’s ok to leave fallen trees and branches in the water for wildlife to use. Leaving a fallen branch or tree in the water not only provides habitat – it will also provide fun wildlife viewing opportunities for you!

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall

(Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2009. “The Water’s Edge: Helping fish and wildlife on your lakeshore property.”)

Viewer Tip: Prepare your property for high winds by making sure your home and belongings are secure.

• Bring lawn furniture, outdoor decorations, trash cans, potted and hanging plants, and any other items that might be picked up by wind inside.
• Secure your home by closing windows and doors.  Close hurricane shutters if you have them.
• Be prepared for power outages – have a flash light, water and non-perishable food on hand.
• If you live in a mobile home, consider moving to a more substantial shelter to stay safe.

Seasons: Summer, Fall

(Sources: American Red Cross. “Talking about Disaster: Guide for Standarad Messages.” Available from: www.redcross.org. National Weather Service, www.nws.noaa.gov)

Viewer Tip: Anyone can join the SKYWARN program. To become a storm spotter, you must attend a free training class at any of the 122 National Weather Service Weather Forecast Offices around the country. You’ll learn to identify and describe severe weather and you’ll also learn about basic weather safety. To get more information about SKYWARN and find out when classes are available in your area, visit www.nws.noaa.gov/skywarn or contact your local National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist at www.stormready.noaa.gov/contact.htm.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: NOAA National Weather Service. SKYWARN. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/skywarn/)