Helpful reminders for when severe weather is in the forecast in northeast Wisconsin:
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Severe weather does not occur almost every day here in northeast Wisconsin, but when it shows up in the forecast, it’s an excellent time to brush up on the reminders on how to keep you and your family safe when the storm arrives.
First, what exactly defines a severe thunderstorm, and how do the meteorologists at the National Weather Service detect whether it’s a severe storm?
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The National Weather Service defines a severe thunderstorm as one that produces winds greater than 58 miles per hour at the surface and large hail greater than one inch in diameter, the size of a quarter.
These conditions can be estimated by radar, observed by storm chasers and spotters, and recorded at local weather stations to allow the issuance of the warning.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are usually issued for a small area and a short duration. However, the warning is often expanded and continued as the storm moves and produces warning-like criteria.
The next question is, what should you do if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued to your county? The old saying, “When thunder roars, go indoors,” couldn’t be more accurate.
You should seek shelter in a sturdy place, such as your home, place of work, or any building, if you happen to be out and about.
Secondly, avoid being near windows and doors, as winds and hail could swing the door open or break glass which could be harmful.
Finally, you have a way to get weather updates, whether on your phone, TV, or tablet, to know when the storm is leaving and its impacts.
The tornado threat for Tuesday afternoon and evening is nonzero, so a few spin-up tornados can not be ruled out. In the event of a tornado warning, you need to be more selective about where you seek shelter.
The best will be in a basement, but if you don’t have a basement, an interior room like a closet, bathroom, stairwell, or hallway is advised. It’s best to keep as many walls between you and the outdoors as possible.
Riding out a tornado in a mobile home is also not advised, as these can easily be tossed around by very strong tornado winds.
The latest Wisconsin weather forecast from Storm Team 5
If you live in a mobile home, try to contact a nearby friend or family member to see if you can hunker down there instead of at your mobile home or camper.
The Storm Team 5 Weather App is free to download on the Apple Store or Google Play and will be updated throughout the afternoon and evening as events occur. Allow your phone to notify you of any watches or warnings issued for your area.
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