Severe Colorado Weather Preparedness

Even though Colorado is known for its brilliant blue skies and sunshine for most of the year, all residents of Colorado and visitors to our State should be aware of the possibility of severe weather. As with many parts of the country, certain seasons are historically more active than others, and knowing your surroundings and what to look for is wise and beneficial.

Tornado and Hail Safety

This has been a record setting year for tornadoes and destructive storms around the United States. According to a local Colorado weather reporter – there were more tornadoes in a single day in April 2011 than in any other day in history! NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) calculated there were 312 tornadoes during one week, including the record-setting 226 in one 24 hour period. This cluster of storms was the deadliest since March 18, 1925, when 747 people lost their lives across 7 states in tornado activity.

Because of the damage and destruction that can be caused during a tornado, micro-burst or severe hail storm, Colorado has provided information and safety resources to guide you and your family through a severe storm. Taking a few minutes to review this information may prove life-saving.

What Severe Weather Resources Are Available to Me?

The National Weather Service – This agency is there to provide advisories, watches, warnings as weather escalates into a concern for people or property. They have alert systems which can be accessed online, on the weather channel or local TV News. One such online resource can be found at 9 News on the Severe Weather Alert page. There you can see severe weather reports for both the local area and the State of Colorado as well as the entire United States.

Local NOAA Weather Radio station – you can even listen to some of the stations online or with your mobile phone if you do not have a receiver capable of receiving NOAA stations.

Community Local Alert Systems – These alerts can be sent directly to your cell phone when a dangerous weather occurrence is heading your way. Signing up for this resource involves a small yearly fee, and the automatic Weather Call notification will alert you to severe weather involving your neighborhood. (A street address must be provided to place you in the right alert zones)

Good Awareness of Weather Conditions – Just knowing what to look for in the sky, or on the horizon will be a great help to you and your family in keeping safe. Warmer spring weather in Colorado means the return of tornado and hail season. Because tornadoes can develop quickly, a keen eye and an overall awareness and understanding of weather conditions is important. (i.e., “green” looking clouds = hail, and a rising thundercloud which reaches 30,000 ft. and begins to flatten out = tornadoes)

Ready Colorado.org – this website is a fine resource for preparing ahead of time for possible severe weather issues. Here you will learn about developing a plan for you and your family, getting emergency kits ready, tips on what to do and what to have ready to see you through an emergency.

What to Do: Tornado Safety Tips

A tornado watch means conditions are present for a tornado. Keep a radio/TV tuned for further information, gather emergency supplies and remain alert.
A Tornado Warning, when issued, it means a tornado has been sighted or is imminent. Taking quick action no matter where you are will help keep you safe.
If you are at home: Take shelter immediately. Go to a basement, interior hallway or small interior room on the lowest level of the home. Stay away from windows! If you are in a mobile home or trailer – quickly LEAVE and take cover.
If you are at work: Go to an interior hallway on the lowest floor, or a designated shelter. Avoid windows.
If you are at school: Follow instructions of authorities/teachers. Stay OUT of structures with wide free-span roofs like auditoriums and gyms.
If you are in a car or outside: Get out of the car. Seek cover in a nearby building, or lie flat in a ditch or ravine. Get as low as possible below ground level so the winds will blow over the top of you.

What to Do: Hail Safety Tips

If you are in an automobile: Stop driving. Pull completely off the highway, as visibility will be poor, and other vehicles may not be able to see you. If you are close to a garage or highway overpass, drive there as soon as you can.
Stay inside the vehicle during the hail storm. Cover your face and eyes with clothing or lie face down on the car floor or back seat to protect yourself from breaking glass. If you have children, shield them and cover their eyes and face.
If you are in a building: Stay inside until the hail stops, away from windows and be sure of where each family member of co-worker is. Do not go outside – hail stones can kill. Do NOT using phones and electrical appliances during a severe storm to avoid the danger of electrocution from lightning.
If you are outdoors: Seek shelter immediately, and protect your head and body if possible. Keep away from low lying areas which are prone to flood. Seek shelter in a nearby building, large vehicle or covered area. Avoid taking shelter under trees as lightning strikes are common during storms, and heavy branches can fall on you, or you may be hit by lightning.

Knowing as much as possible about what to expect during Severe Weather in Colorado will protect you and your family from needless harm. Take the time to be familiar with these resources and tips so you can be safe during any Colorado Outing.