Severe Weather Preparedness
Much like states along the East Coast and Gulf Coast are prepared for potential hurricanes, residents in Oklahoma City do their best to be prepared for severe weather and tornadoes. At home, have a family tornado plan in place by identifying where you will take shelter. Flying debris is often the greatest danger in tornadoes, so store protective head coverings in or next to your shelter space. Many homes in Greater Oklahoma City have tornado shelters or safe rooms. While not all builders include a shelter in the house, they often take the steps to make it very easy for one to be added by the homeowner. The region’s hard clay soil and water table mean that most newer homes do not have a basement, but many homes in historic neighborhoods do. No matter the age of your home, adding a tornado shelter inside your house or on your property is a good way to be prepared for potential severe weather. For more information about tornado safety and preparation, visit the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management’s site at ok.gov/oem. A Guide to Weather Watches and Warnings If you aren’t familiar with the categories for severe weather, watching a meteorology report can be a little confusing. Here is a no-frills guide to severe weather reporting. Severe thunderstorm watch What it means: The potential exists for the development of thunderstorms that might produce large hail and/or damaging winds. What to do: Go about your normal activities, but be aware of the weather. Listen to the National Weather Service’s weather radio or local stations for further weather updates. Severe thunderstorm warning What it means: A severe thunderstorm – meaning a storm with large hail and/or damaging winds – is occurring or is imminent.
Tornado watch What it means: Conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to form, and these storms may be capable of producing a tornado. What to do: Go about your normal activities, but be aware of the weather. Listen to the National Weather Service’s weather radio or local stations for further weather updates. PDS tornado watch What it means: This type of tornado watch is issued when the National Weather Service deems a storm to be a “particularly dangerous situation” with the potential for multiple strong or violent tornadoes. Only a very small percentage of tornado watches nationwide have historically been classified as PDS tornado watches.
What to do: Go about your normal activities, but be aware of the weather. Listen to the National Weather Service’s weather radio or local stations for further weather updates. Tornado warning What it means: A tornado has been spotted or intense low-
level rotation has been indicated on weather radar or by a trained spotter. A tornado siren will likely be sounded, meaning the twister is close to the area. What to do: According to the NOAA, you should take cover immediately in an enclosed, windowless area on the lowest level of your home or office.
Oklahoma City’s climate is enjoyably average (weather-wise), with sunny and warm summers, bright and cold winters and crisp autumns.
What to do: Move indoors or to a place of safety.
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