Did you hear that rain last night? With storm season in full swing, it’s a great time for a reminder about how to stay informed and safe when the weather turns severe.
Stormwatch.com allows you to monitor real-time rainfall totals and creek levels throughout Johnson County, helping you stay informed about changing conditions in your neighborhood and make safer decisions during heavy storms or potential flooding.
Plan Ahead for Severe Weather
Spring and summer bring the potential for strong storms, so now is the time to develop a safety plan and understand the risks that come with severe weather:
- Flooding: Floodwaters can be deadly. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult, and 12 inches can carry away a small car. Always remember: Turn around, don’t drown.
- Lightning: If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Seek shelter indoors immediately.
- Tornadoes: Identify a safe shelter location, such as a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of your home or workplace.
Know the Alerts
It’s important to understand the differences between common weather alerts:
- Watch: Conditions are favorable for severe weather. Stay alert.
- Advisory: Weather conditions may become hazardous. Be prepared.
- Warning: Severe weather is occurring or is imminent. Take action immediately.
Stay Informed
Don’t rely on just one method of receiving alerts. Make sure you have multiple ways to stay informed:
- Set up a NOAA weather radio at home.
- Download a weather app on your phone and enable notifications.
- Sign up for NotifyJoCo to receive time-sensitive alerts, including weather warnings tailored to your area.
And remember—tornado sirens are outdoor warning systems. They may not wake you up at night. Having additional alert methods can make all the difference in staying safe.