Severe Storm

Tornado

A potentially violent and destructive system of atmospheric circulation, characterized by a long, funnel-shaped cloud extending toward the ground and made visible by condensation and debris. Tornados can appear quickly and without much warning. Some signs include a dark or green-colored sky, a large, dark, low-lying cloud, large hail, and a loud roar similar to a freight train. If one is spotted, sirens and emergency broadcasts will notify local residents. During a tornado event, go to the basement or in a room on the lowermost floor without windows. Get under something sturdy such as a strong table or bench, or in a closet or bathtub. If possible, cover yourself with a blanket or sleeping bag. Try and avoid sheltering in a mobile home if possible. If you are driving try and find something with cover such as an overpass, and stop. If you are on foot seek shelter under overpasses, culverts, or something similar. You can prepare for potential tornados by having an emergency kit that includes batteries, a battery powered radio, water, non-perishable food, and medication. You should also construct a family tornado emergency plan that includes where to shelter.

For more information, visit these links:

• FEMA National Risk Index Tornados
  
• National Weather Service, Tornado Safety
  
• American Red Cross, Tornado Safety
  
• U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Staying Safe During a Tornado
  

Hurricane

A tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds of 74 mph or greater (64 knots or greater). These tropical storms form between the months of June to November during peak hurricane season, though it is not uncommon for hurricanes to occur before and after those months. Though the full force of a hurricane typically hits coastal areas with battering waves and coastal flooding, strong winds and rains near the fringes of the hurricane do affect West Virginia. With strong winds can come property damage and power outages, while the heavy rain can create flood events. It is not uncommon for tornadoes to accompany landfalling tropical cyclones as well. Staying informed will allow you to plan accordingly for the possible scenarios caused by the strong winds and heavy rainfall that accompany hurricanes. Regularly tuning into the news can keep you informed about possible tropical storms forming in the Atlantic. If the effects of a hurricane are occurring it is recommended that you stay indoors if possible. If flooding occurs visit our page for flooding (link?).

For more information, visit these links:

• FEMA National Risk Index Hurricane
  
• National Weather Service, Hurricane Safety Tips and Resources
  
• American Red Cross, Hurricane Safety
  
• U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Preparing for a Hurricane of Other Tropical Storm
  

Lightning

The occurrence of a natural electrical discharge of very short duration and high voltage between a cloud and the ground or within a cloud, accompanied by a bright flash and typically also thunder. If thunder and lightning are occurring near you, quickly find shelter and avoid touching or carrying anything metal. Try and avoid using tees or other tall, unenclosed structures for shelter. If you are outside during a lightning event and hear buzzing and/or electrical hums or your hair begins to stand up from static, quickly evacuate the immediate area as this is a precursor to a lightning strike. Lighting strikes can cause serious bodily harm and even death due to the electrical energy and temperatures reaching upwards of 50,000 ° F in the air surrounding the lighting bolt, which is five times hotter than the surface of the sun.

For more information, visit these links:

• FEMA National Risk Index Lightning
  
• National Weather Service, Lightning Safety Tips and Resources
  
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Lightning Safety
  
• U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lighting Safety Tips
  
• U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!
  

Derecho

​​A line of intense, widespread, and fast-moving windstorms and sometimes thunderstorms that moves across a great distance and is characterized by damaging winds. The winds that accompany a derecho can reach an intensity akin to tornadoes and hurricanes that can wreak havoc, damaging personal property, utility lines, and trees. Derechos can also cause flash floods brought on by heavy rain. If a derecho is imminent, go inside, preferably in a sturdy building, and head to the basement or a floor on the lowest floor that does not have any windows. If you are sheltering in a mobile home, try and quickly move to a sturdier building before the high winds reach you. If there are already high winds, do not go outside, and instead find shelter in a closet or bathtub and cover yourself with a blanket or sleeping bag.

For more information, visit these links:

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), About Derechos
  
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Derechos: Keeping Yourself Safe
  
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), FAQ About Derechos
  
• National Weather Service, Thunderstorm Winds and Derechos
  
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners,Learn Facts about Derechos