Distribution Division SEVERE TEXAS WEATHER

Distribution Division Severe Weather THE TWO MAJOR TYPES OF SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS THAT AFFECT OUR SERVICE AREAS ARE: THUNDERSTORMS TORNADOS

Distribution Division Severe Weather DANGERS OF A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM LIGHTNINGHAIL HIGH WINDS HAIL LIGHTNING RAIN AND FLOODING HIGH WINDS TORNADOS LIGHTNING TORNADOS

Distribution Division Severe Weather Severe thunderstorms are possible. Watch the sky and listen to radio or television for more information. Be prepared to take shelter. Severe thunderstorms are occurring. Take shelter. Turn on a battery-operated radio or television, and wait for the "all clear" announcement by authorities. SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING THUNDERSTORMS

Distribution Division Severe Weather WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE AT HOME DURING A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM Close all windows and doors. Monitor the radio or television. Avoid using the telephone and other electrical appliances. Turn off air-conditioners. Do not take baths/showers until storm passes.

Distribution Division Severe Weather WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE OUTDOORS IN A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM Seek shelter immediately. If you are in a boat when a thunderstorm threatens, you should attempt to reach shore as quickly as possible. If you are driving, pull safely to the shoulder of the road. Stay away from trees and power lines. If you cannot find any immediate shelter, find a low spot away from trees and power poles. Squat low to the ground.

Distribution Division Severe Weather TORNADOS OCCUR WITHIN THUNDERSTORMS AND HAVE A LIGHTNINGHAIL HIGH WINDS HAIL LIGHTNING RAIN AND FLOODING FLYING OBJECTS TORNADOS LIGHTNING TORNADOS VIOLENTLY ROTATING COLUMN OF AIR

Distribution Division Severe Weather TORNADO DEFINITIONS Tornado Watch Tornado Watch Conditions are favorable for tornadoes (or severe thunderstorms) to occur. Tornado Warning Tornado Warning A tornado or severe thunderstorm is occurring or is imminent. Seek shelter Immediately. Tornado Tornado A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and coming from a thunderstorm. Funnel Cloud Funnel Cloud Similar to a tornado, but not in contact with the ground.

Distribution Division Severe Weather Seek safe places for shelter, such as modern, steel- reinforced office buildings, storm shelters, tunnels, bank vaults, underground parking facilities, basements, interior corridors, and subways. Keep away from windows, structures with large free- span roofs such as auditoriums and gymnasiums, the upper stories of multi-story buildings, house trailers and parked cars. In homes, take cover under heavy furniture in the center of the house against strong inside walls. Covering yourself with a rug or blanket may provide some protection against flying glass and falling debris. If you are in a mobile home park, or any non-reinforced structure, seek shelter elsewhere. WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE IN A TORNADO

Distribution Division Severe Weather An automobile is the most dangerous place to be. Violent winds can tumble a car over and over, crushing it and its occupants. Seek shelter immediately in the kinds of structures mentioned earlier. Do not attempt to drive out of the storms path. If you are trapped in open country, seek shelter in a ravine or ditch. However, be aware of torrential rains that often accompany tornado weather.

Distribution Division Severe Weather Do some advance planning so you can be better prepared wherever you are. Identify protective areas you can get to in a hurry. Call the National Weather Service to report a tornado you have actually sighted.

Distribution Division Severe Weather PLAN AHEAD. BE PREPARED. YOUR LIFE MAY DEPEND ON IT.