What you need to know about weather emergencies Surry County 911

A tornado is a violent rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of up to 300 mph. They can destroy large buildings, uproot trees and hurl vehicles hundreds of yards. They can also drive straw into trees. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide to 50 miles long. In an average year, 1000 tornadoes are reported nationwide. TORNADOES

DURING A TORNADO: Go to a basement. If you do not have a basement, go to an interior room without windows on the lowest floor such as a bathroom or closet. IF YOU’RE AT SCHOOL DURING A TORNADO:Schools without basements should use interior rooms and hallways on the lowest floor away from windows. Crouch down on your knees and protect your head How to Stay Safe

AFTER A TORNADO: Stay indoors until it is safe to come out. Check for injured or trapped people, without putting yourself in danger. Watch out for downed power lines. Use a flashlight to inspect your home. Only AFTER the storm passes, should you call 911 for help. Taking shelter should be your top priority! Remaining Safe

What is a thunderstorm? A thunderstorm is a storm with lightning and thunder. Its produced by a cumulonimbus cloud, usually producing gusty winds, heavy rain and sometimes hail. Severe Thunderstorms

Can you tell how far away a storm is? Yes, you can use thunder to tell how far away a storm is. Next time you see a storm, count the number of seconds between when you see the lightning and hear the thunder. Take the number of seconds and divide by 5 and that will tell you how far away the storm is in miles. For example: If you counted 10 seconds between the lightning and the thunder, the lightning is 2 miles away! How Close Is The Storm?

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH - A severe thunderstorm (damaging winds of 58 miles per hour or more, or 1" hail in diameter or greater) is likely to develop in your area. SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - A severe thunderstorm (damaging winds of 58 miles per hour or more, or hail three-fourths of an inch in diameter or greater) is taking place in your area. What’s The Difference?

The National Weather Service in Blacksburg, VA will issue severe weather alerts. When severe weather is spotted, a specific message is released though these methods: Weather Radio News Broadcasts Radio News Alerts Text Messages Weather Alerts

When a Severe Weather Alert is given, be sure to follow the alert and listen for updates and changes that could occur. Weather Alerts

How is snow formed? Snow is commonly formed when water vapor undergoes deposition, which is when water vapor changes directly to ice without first becoming a liquid, high in the atmosphere at a temperature of less than 32°F and then falls to the ground. Snow

What is sleet? Sleet is just rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects. However, it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to motorists. Sleet

What is freezing rain? Freezing rain is just rain that falls onto a surface with a temperature below freezing. This causes it to freeze to surfaces, such as trees, cars, and roads, forming a coating or glaze of ice. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard. Freezing Rain

Once the immediate threat is gone, if help is needed, ensure that it is safe to do so and then call 911. The most important information that we need is: Address Name Phone Number What the emergency is When Calling 911

Have a safety plan prepared for your family. Knowing ahead of time what to do in an emergency will help to keep you and your family safe. Websites that can assist with planning: Apps from tablets, cell phones or other wireless devices Keeping your Family Safe

ALWAYS Practice safety!! NEVER call 911 unless you have an emergency! ALWAYS know your action plan! NEVER go outside in a dangerous storm! ALWAYS listen to weather alerts! NEVER ignore a weather warning! ALWAYS, ALWAYS stay safe! Remember……