Augusta Weather Center | Severe Weather Tips and Facts

Winds can be as strong as 300 mph.
May last from 1 minute to an hour, depending on strength.
The development of hail many times accompanies a tornado. Also, wall clouds and loud roars are strong signs that a tornado could be near.
March through May and November are the months that tornadoes are most likely to form in Georgia-Carolina. However, tornadoes can form at any time during the year.
Landfalling tropical storms or hurricanes can spawn tornadoes.
If a TORNADO WATCH is issued, stay tuned to local media in case a tornado or severe storm forms. If a watch is issued, it is a good idea to remove outdoor objects in your yard that may become projectiles in the event of a tornado or severe storm.
If a TORNADO WARNING is issued, take cover immediately! If at home or work, move into a central location that is surrounded by interior walls, such as a hall or closet. If a basement is available, go there. If in an automobile, find a ditch or depression to lie down in. DO NOT try to outrun the storm! If in a mobile home, try to find a neighbor's house that may be more sturdy.
DO NOT open windows if you think a tornado is near.

Tips provided by:

NWA SAFETY AND PROTECTION TIPS:

Level 1: Plan your activities around the weather to avoid lightning. If you are going to be outside, know the weather forecast beforehand. Know the local weather patterns.
Level 2: While outside, use the "30-30 Rule" to know when to seek a safer location.
- When you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If this time is 30 seconds or less, go to a safer place. If you can't see the lightning, just hearing the thunder is a good reason to take cover.
- Wait 30 minutes or more after hearing the last thunder before leaving the safer location.
- The "30-30 Rule" will not work well for "first-strike" lightning from locally developing thunderstorms. Watch for brewing convection (dark clouds) and seek shelter before the first lightning strike occurs.
Level 3: Go to a safer location when required. Don't hesitate; go to a safer place immediately! The safest place commonly available is a large fully enclosed substantially constructed building, such as a house. Once inside, stay away from any electrical path from the outside, such as corded telephones, electrical appliances, and plumbing. If you can't get to a substantial building, a vehicle with a solid metal roof and metal sides is a reasonable second choice. Convertibles and open-framed vehicles are not considered as lightning shelters.
Level 4: If you can't get to a safer location, avoid the most dangerous locations and activities. Avoid higher elevations, wide-open areas, tall isolated objects, water-related activities, and open vehicles. Avoid unprotected open structures like picnic pavilions, rain shelters, and bus stops. Do not go under trees to keep dry during thunderstorms!
Level 5: Use this only as a desperate last resort! If you are outside and far away from a safer place, proceed to the safest location. If lightning is imminent, it will often give a few seconds of warning: hair standing up, tingling skin, light metal objects vibrating, seeing corona discharge, and/or hearing a crackling sound. If you are in a group of people, spread out so there are several body lengths between each person. Once spread out, use the lightning crouch--put your feet together, squat down, tuck your head, and cover your ears. When the immediate threat of lightning has passed, continue heading to the safest place possible. Remember, this is a desperate last resort; you are much safer following the previous guidance and avoiding this high-risk situation.
Level 6: The first step in lightning first aid is to call 911. All deaths from lightning are from cardiac arrest or stopped breathing at the time of the strike. CPR or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is the recommended first aid.

ADDITIONAL TIPS FROM AugustaWeather.com:

Stay away from bodies of water such as a pool, pond, or lake during a storm.
Stay away from your windows.
If caught outside during a lightning event, crouch down with your hands on your knees, but do not lie on the ground.
Lightning is the number one weather-related cause of death in Georgia and South Carolina.
Lightning kills 75-100 people every year.
Do not seek a hole or ditch for protection during a lightning event.

During a snow or ice event, watch for fallen power lines and do not approach them.
Be prepared for ice on roadways, especially bridges and overpasses, and less traveled roads.
It's always good to have an extra supply of non-perishable foods and batteries for emergency situations, such as a devastating ice storm. Have plenty of blankets on hand in case the electricity is cut off.
If you have a fireplace, be sure to keep an emergency supply of firewood during the winter.
While outdoors, watch for falling limbs in an ice storm or heavy snow storm.

Flooding can occur nationwide.
NEVER try to walk, swim, or drive through any significant depth of water (6 inches or greater).
Flooding is the number one weather killer nationwide.
Flash flooding occurs within 6 hours of the rain event.
The increase of urbanization helps to decrease the amount of water that soaks into the ground, and increases runoff, which can lead to flooding.
If flooding is a potential threat, store drinking water and batteries.
Do not build or purchase a home or business in a flood plain or other areas that may be prone to flooding.
For local radar images, visit AugustaWeather.com Storm Scene.

Stay up-to-date on the latest tropical developments by visiting our Tropics page, or watch your local news.
Hurricanes and other tropical systems usually form from June to November.
Landfalling hurricanes and other tropical systems can, and often do, cause flooding, high winds, and tornadoes. These events can also occur well inland.
A hurricane is classified as a well-defined tropical weather system with sustained winds of 74 mph or greater.
When a HURRICANE WATCH is issued for your area, you should begin to make preparations to evacuate and stock up on necessary items, such as food, water, batteries, and medications.
When a HURRICANE WARNING is issued for your area, that means that hurricane conditions are likely within 24 hours. You should follow any evacuation orders.

During a heat wave, wear light weight, light colored clothing.
Drink plenty of fluids, but stay away from beverages containing alcohol and caffeine, as they can contribute to dehydration.
Remember that temperatures are recorded in the shade. Temperatures in direct sunlight can be as much as 15 degrees warmer.
During severe heat waves, stay indoors as much as possible.
Wear sunblock to prevent a sunburn. A sunburn can contribute to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Remember that skin damage from the sun is cumulative. Keep a check on your skin to watch for any skin cancer development and see a dermatologist if you have a suspicious looking area on your skin.