Colorado Flood and Wildfire Awareness Week

Flood and wildfire season is approaching. You should know your risks and make your plans to improve your outcomes.

The National Weather Service wants everyone in the United States to be part of a Weather-Ready Nation. Colorado has more than its fair share of floods, flash floods, and wildfires. You should be weather alert and weather-ready, knowing how to stay safe when floods and wildfires affect your area.

Governor Hickenlooper has proclaimed this week, March 12th through 26th, as Colorado Flood Safety and Wildfire Awareness Week. Now is the time to learn about flood and wildfire risks in Colorado, and to develop your plans to improve your outcome.

Floodprone areas have been identified in over 250 cities and towns and in all 64 counties in Colorado. Over 250 thousand people live in floodplains in Colorado. There are estimated to be 65 thousand homes and 15 thousand commercial, industrial, and business structures in identified floodplains. There are likely many more structures located within unmapped flood hazard areas. The value of the property, structures, and contents located in the identified floodplains is estimated to be around 15 billion dollars.

Floods and flash floods have killed over 400 people in Colorado since the turn of the 20th century. The historic weather pattern of September 2013 reminds us all that floods are a major concern across the Centennial State. Floods have caused billions of dollars of damage in Colorado.

On average, 2500 wildfires occur across Colorado each year. Since 2012, 8 people have been killed when wildfires occurred in the wildland-urban interface (WUI).

The National Weather Service forecast offices which serve Colorado will issue a series of public information statements during this Colorado Flood Safety and Wildfire Awareness Week...covering the following topics.

• Sunday:  Introduction to the Week
• Monday:  Flood Watches and Warnings
• Tuesday:  River Floods
• Wednesday:  Flash Floods
• Thursday:  Fire Weather Forecasts, Watches and Warnings
• Friday:  Wildfire Safety and Mitigation
• Saturday:  Review of the Week

More information on floods and wildfires is available at your local National Weather Service web sites.

• NWS Denver/Boulder
• NWS Pueblo
• NWS Goodland
• NWS Grand Junction

DHSEM and State EOC Monitor Statewide Weather

The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and DHSEM staff continue to monitor the weather across the state. We will share significant updates as they become available from the NWS.  The State EOC is not activated.

Please follow READYColorado on Facebook or @READYColorado on Twitter@READYColorado for preparedness and safety messages.

Stay informed and stay safe.

Colorado Winter Weather Awareness Week

Governor John Hickenlooper has proclaimed the week of October 19 – 25, 2015 as Winter Weather Awareness Week in Colorado. This is an excellent time for all individuals, families, businesses, schools and media outlets to review their winter storm preparedness plans. It is especially important for all new arrivals to the state to become familiar with the National Weather Service watch and warning definitions as well as winter safety procedures. 

Snow in Colorado is important to the farmers, the ski areas and for filling up reservoirs. However, winter storms often bring heavy snow, bitterly cold temperatures, high winds, low visibilities and slick roads. This can lead to dangerous travel conditions and other life threatening situations such as avalanches and very frigid wind chill temperatures. 

To help you prepare for these hazards this coming winter the National Weather Service will issue statements throughout the week to discuss:

• Monday:     Winter Travel Safety
• Tuesday:    Watches, Warnings and Advisories
• Wednesday: High Winds
• Thursday:  Wind Chill Temperatures and Hypothermia
• Friday:     Avalanche Safety
• Saturday:   Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Review

Anyone who needs information on winter storms in Colorado should contact their nearest National Weather Service office.

• Boulder Office:               303-494-3210
• Grand Junction Office: 970-243-7007
• Goodland Kansas Office:       785-899-7119
• Pueblo Office:                If you live near Pueblo call 719-948-3371. If you live near Colorado Springs call 719-573-6846. If you live near Alamosa call 719-589-3232. 

Each day Winter Weather Awareness Week blogs will be posted to our READYColorado.com website and posted to our READYColorado Twitter and Facebook accounts.

 

Blog written by Jim Pringle, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service Grand Junction.

DHSEM and State EOC Continue to Monitor Weather Conditions on July 30

The State Emergency Operations Center remains at a Level IV activation.  At 11 a.m. the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management staff participated in a conference call with the National Weather Service Pueblo Forecast Office and local emergency managers for an update on current and predicted weather for the state. The State EOC staff will continue to monitor the weather and are ready to support local jurisdictions as requested. The weather information for today is:

• Conditions are more stable today than yesterday, however there is still low-level moisture.  If storms develop, they will be capable of producing heavy rain, potentially 1-2" per hour.
• Conditions are stable over the plains and are unlikely to produce flash flooding, so the flash flood warning has been cancelled, but showers with localized flooding are still possible.
• Heaviest areas will be the eastern mountains out to the I-25 corridor.
• Primary concern is sun/warmer temperatures producing instability. The El Paso and Teller Counties are the areas of concern for instability. Showers could start in this area as soon as 12 - 1 p.m., but more likely 3 - 6 p.m.. The Waldo Canyon burn scar has a heightened threat.
• East Peak Fire burn scar has a lower level of threat and will start later in the day.
• There is some drying over the San Luis Valley so no watch currently in effect, but there will be the seasonal hit-or-miss showers.
• Tomorrow will be drier, but instability can still lead to afternoon and evening thunderstorms over the eastern mountains and plains. No watch is set, but local flooding is possible.
• Drying will continue into the weekend, then moisture returns next week, all typical for the monsoon season for Colorado.
• Of note: expect a daily threat over the Waldo Canyon burn scar in to early September based on seasonal norms.

Avalanches: Are You Prepared? 2013 Colorado Winter Weather Preparedness Week

Thousands of avalanches occur each winter in the mountains of Colorado.  With the enormous popularity of winter sports in Colorado, this poses a risk to skiers, snowboarders, hikers and snowmobilers.  On average six people die in avalanches in the state of Colorado every year.  Anyone who travels into the high country in the winter should be prepared for avalanches and know how to avoid them. 

The first thing to know is most avalanches occur during or just after snowstorms and most occur on a slope of 30 to 45 degrees.  A significant snowfall may result in an unstable snowpack.  By waiting 36 hours after a big snowstorm you may allow the snow to become more stable.  If you stay in valleys away from avalanche chutes, in stands of dense trees, or on gentle slopes you can minimize your avalanche risk.

If you are a skier or snowboarder at a commercial ski area there is little danger of avalanches.  However, respect their rules and do not stray out of bounds.  Ski areas work to reduce the danger from avalanches within their bounded terrain, but out of bounds a serious avalanche risk may exist.  Minimize your risk by staying in bounds.

If you want to enjoy the great outdoors in areas prone to avalanches, you can minimize the danger by following a few simple rules:

1. Check the current avalanche forecast to get information on current and forecast avalanche conditions.  Also check the latest weather forecast to see if conditoins are likely to change while you are in the backcountry.
2.  Never travel alone.  Always have one or more companions.  Even small avalanches can be fatal.  If you are alone and get trapped you may not be found until spring.
3. If crossing a slope that may be prone to avalanches do it one person at a time.  You want to minimize the impact on your party if an avalanche is accidentally releases.
4. In avalanche country all members of your party should carry avalanche rescue equipment including and avalanche beacon, shovel and probe pole.  This increases your chances of effecting a successful rescue and finding your friends alive.

Avalanche conditions in Colorado are monitored and forecasted by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC).  You can get more information on avalanches and avalanche safety from CAIC.  Their phone number is 303-499-9650 or go to their internet site at www.avalanche.state.co.us.  
Winter Weather Preparedness Week continues through Saturday.  Now is the time to get prepared for winter so you can safely enjoy the outdoors and travel safely when the snow flies.

This guest blog written by Bob Glancy, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service, Boulder, Colorado and Greene, Director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

Extreme Wind Chill is Potentially Life-Threatening and Often Overlooked: 2013 Colorado Winter Weather Preparedness Week

The combination of wind and low temperature in winter can be deadly.  The wind chill index helps you determine when dangerous conditions develop that could lead to frostbite or hypothermia.  It takes into account heat loss from the human body to its surroundings during cold and windy weather.  The calculation utilizes wind speed in miles per hour and temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.  For example, a temperature of minus five degrees occurring with a 20 mph wind gives a wind chill near minus 30 degrees.  This means that your body will lose heat at the same rate as it would if the air temperature were minus 30 degrees with no wind.  Wind chill values near minus 25 degrees mean that frostbite is possible within 15 minutes.

Frostbite is the freezing of skin and the body tissue just beneath it.  It first affects exposed body tissue where blood circulation may be limited such as your fingers, toes, nose, and ears.  To minimize frostbite make sure all body parts are well covered.  When frostbite starts feeling is lost in the affected area and the frozen tissue will take on a white or pale appearance.  If you suspect you are experiencing frostbite, hold the frostbitten area closely against warm skin to return blood flow and warmth to the affected area.

Hypothermia is a dangerously low body temperature and is the most common winter weather killer.  When you hear of a hiker, climber, hunter or a stranded traveler perishing from cold weather exposure, hypothermia was the cause.  Most people are surprised to learn that hypothermia deaths can occur with temperatures between 30 to 50 degrees.  If you or your clothing are wet, then hypothermia becomes even more likely.

Warning signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech and drowsiness.  Immediate medical attention should be given to victims suspected of suffering from hypothermia.  If no help is available the victim should be warmed slowly with warm liquids along with dry clothing and blankets.

The National Weather Service will issue wind chill advisories and warnings when a deadly combination of wind and cold air threaten.  To learn more about wind chill visit the National Weather Service internet site:  www.weather.gov/om/windchill.

When cold weather threatens follow these tips for survival:

1. Stay Dry.  Wet clothing results in much faster heat loss from your body.  Wear waterproof, insulated boots.
2. Stay Covered.  Wear mittens or gloves and wear a hat.  At least half of your body heat is lost if your head is not covered.
3. Dress Layered.  Trapped air between loose fitting clothing helps to insulate.
4. Stay Informed.  Have a portable NOAA weather radio nearby to keep you up-to-date with the latest forecasts and warnings.  Use wind chill temperatures to guide you in dressing properly for the outdoors.  On very cold days, minimize your exposure to outdoors if possible.

This guest blog written by David Floyd, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service, Goodland, Kansas.

Widespread High Winds Visit Colorado During the Winter: 2013 Colorado Winter Weather Preparedness Week

Colorado Winter Weather Preparedness Week continues through this Saturday.

The two main causes of high winds in Colorado during the cold season are the air pressure difference between strong low pressure and cold high pressure systems and Chinook winds developing across the front range and other eastern mountain ranges.

A strong, cold high pressure system moving from the west across the Rockies can generate damaging wind down the leeward slopes of the mountains known as the Bora.  These episodes feature widespread high winds from the west or northwest into the adjacent plains at speeds which can exceed 100 mph.  Much more rare are those episodes when low pressure is across the Rockies, and strong, cold high pressure is across the Great Plains.  The result is damaging winds from the east across the western slopes of mountain ranges and adjacent valleys.

Mid and upper level winds over Colorado are much stronger in the winter than in the warm season because of the huge difference in temperature from north to south across North America.  West winds, under certain circumstances, can bring warm, dry Chinook winds plowing down the slopes of the eastern mountains.  These winds can exceed 100 mph in extreme cases, bringing the potential for widespread damage.  Winds of 60 to near 100 mph will occur in and near the foothills in areas such as Fort Collins, Boulder, Denver, Colorado springs, Canon City, Westcliffe, Walsenburg and Trinidad.  The areas around Boulder and Westcliffe are especially prone to these extreme wind episodes.

Dangers from high winds include:

• flying debris
• reduced visibility due to dust
• damaged or destroyed structures
• downed power lines
• overturned vehicles

The National Weather Service will issue a High Wind Watch when there is around a 50 percent chance for high winds to develop during the next day or two.  When the threat becomes more certain in a specific area, a High Wind Warning will be issued.  Cold Strong winds can also bring dangerously low wind chill values, prompting a Wind Chill Advisory or Wind Chill Warning.

If high winds are forecast for your area you should bring lightweight objects indoors or tie them down outdoors or move them so they do not become dangerous missiles.  Any downed power lines should not be approached.  Instead call the utility company.  Stay clear from buildings under construction during high winds, as they can easily collapse.  Traveling on north south roads near the mountains along the front range during a high wind episode can also be dangerous.  If you drive a lightweight or high profiel vehicle you may want to wait until the high winds die down.

This guest blog written by Tom Magnuson, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service, Pueblo.

What Does that Warning Mean: 2013 Colorado Winter Weather Preparedness Week

The National Weather Service will inform you about developing hazardous weather with Outlooks, Watches, Warnings, and Advisories. Now is the time to get ready for winter weather, during this Colorado Winter Weather Preparedness Week.

This list has the Watch, Warning, and Advisory criteria for Colorado east of the Continental Divide.  Safe this list for use throughout the winter.  Criteria west of the Continental Divide will be provided later today by the Grand Junction Office.

Heavy snow criteria for eastern and central Colorado are representative values applied over a large geographic area:

• Mountains:  Eight inches of snow in 12 hours or 12 or more inches of snow in 24 hours.
• Lower Elevations:   Six inches of snow in 12 hours or eight or more inches in 24 hours.

Winter Watches and Warnings

A Winter Storm Watch is issued when winter storm conditions are possible within the next three days, but the timing, intensity, or occurrence may still be uncertain.

A Winter Storm Warning is issued when heavy snow is occurring or will develop in the next 36 hours.  the heavy snow may be accompanied by wind greater than 15 mph and blowing snow.

A Blizzard Watch is issued when blizzard conditions are possible in the next 12 to 36 hours.

A Blizzard Warning is issued in lower elevations when the following conditions are expected for at least three hours:

• Sustained winds of 35 mph or greater.
• Considerable falling and or drifting snow lowering visibilities to less than one-quarter mile.

A Blizzard Warning is issued in the mountains and foothills for the conditions above, but with winds in excess of 50 mph at the higher elevations.

A Wind Chill Watch is issued when wind chill warning criteria are possible in the next 12 to 36 hours.

A Wind Chill Warning is issued for wind chills of at least minus 25 degrees on the plains and minus 35 degrees in the mountains and foothills.

A Freeze Watch is issued when freeze conditions are possible in the next 12 to 36 hours.

A Freeze Warning is issued during the growing season when widespread temperatures are expected to drop to below 32 degrees.

A High Wind Watch is issued when high wind conditions are expected to develop in the next 12 to 36 hours.  Sometimes it will be issued late in the first forecast period, six to 12 hours, if the potential for high wind exists, but there is some uncertainty.

A High Wind Warning is issued for the following conditions:

• Sustained winds of 50 mph for at least one hour or gusts to 75 mph for any duration in the mountains and foothills.
• Sustained winds of 40 mph for at least one hour or gusts to 58 mph for any duration at lower elevations away from the foothills.

Advisories

A Winter Weather Advisory is issued:

• When general snow accumulations are expected between four and eight inches in 12 hours in the mountains and foothills and between three and six inches in 12 hours at lower elevations.
• When falling snow is accompanied by blowing snow to cause travel problems due to lower visibilities.
• When wind blown snow will occasionally reduce visibilities and create a hazard for travelers.
• For freezing drizzle or a mix of precipitation types, such as snow and sleet, that will impact travel conditions.

A Dense Fog Advisory is issued when fog will reduce visibilities to one-quarter mile or less.

A Wind Chill Advisory is issued on the plains when wind and temperature combine to produce wind chill values of minus 18 degrees to minus 25 degrees.

A Wind Chill Advisory is issued for the mountains and foothills when wind and temperature combine to produce wind chill values of minus 25 degrees.

A Frost Advisory is issued during the growing season when temperatures are expected to drop to between 32 and 35 degrees on clear calm nights.

A Blowing Dust Advisory is issued when blowing dust reduces visibilities to between a uarter of a mile and a mile.

This week is Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Colorado.  Public information statements will be issued throughout the week to give safety information and help you know how to respond when winter weather threatens.

This guest blog written by Bob Glancy, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service, Boulder.

Winter Travel Safety: 2013 Colorado Winter Weather Preparedness Week

Winter Weather Preparedness Week continues through Saturday, October 26.  Before Winter Weather arrives in earnest, it is highly recommended that you prepared your car or truck for winter travel.


A well equipped vehicle has:

• adequate tires, 
• tire chains, 
• tow rope, 
• sand or cat litter for traction, 
• shovel, 
• tool kit, 
• windshield scraper and brush, 
• battery cables, 
• first aid kit, 
• flashlight, 
• extra batteries, 
• blankets and/or sleeping bags, 
• extra clothing, 
• candles, 
• waterproof matches, 
• jug of water, 
• high calorie packaged food for quick energy, and 
• an empty can to melt snow for drinking.

The best way to prevent treacherous winter travel is to avoid it.  this can be done by staying informed about the current weather and road conditions as well as the latest weather forecasts.  Information on road conditions in Colorado is available on the web at www.cotrip.org or the toll free number is  1-877-315-7623.  When calling from anywhere in Colorado, dialing 5-1-1 will also access the Colorado road reports.  Additionally, a free smartphone application, CDOT Mobile, is available.  Road conditions for neighboring states can be obtained on a link from www.cotrip.org.

If you should become stranded during a winter storm stay with your vehicle and do not panic.  If accompanied by others take turns sleeping.  Run the motor every hour for about ten minutes to maintain warmth, but keep windows open a little to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide.  Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked.  Keep the car visible with brightly colored cloths tied to the side view mirrors, door handles, or external antenna.  At night, turn on the dome light when running the engine.  Exercise periodically by vigorously moving arms, legs, toes and fingers.

In the mountains avalanches become a possibility in the winter, especially below steep slopes.  Avalanches occasionally come down across roads, with little to no warning.  However, avalanche control work is performed on many avalanche prone roads in Colorado, making the roads safer to travel.  Caution is advised when traveling along avalanche prone roads, especially during and shortly after a heavy snowstorm or during periods of rapid snow melt.

Very strong down-slope winds occur at times mainly along the front range of Colorado.  These Chinook and Bora winds can have gusts exceeding 100 m.p.h.  Persons traveling in light weight or high profile vehicles should avoid travel during these strong wind events especially on north-south oriented roads.

Roads which appear to be clear in the wintertime may actually be coated with a thin layer of ice, commonly known as "black ice".  This nearly invisible ice layer can cause you to rapidly lose control of your vehicle.  Black ice is most common during the nighttime hours.  If you detect black ice, you should reduce your speed.

Please follow these winter travel safety recommendations which could save your life.





This blog written by Jim Pringle, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service, Grand Junction.  The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is partnering with the National Weather Service in Colorado to share preparedness messages during Colorado's 2013 Winter Weather Preparedness Week.

Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Colorado

The Week of October 20 through October 26 is Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Colorado.  This is an excellent time for all individuals, families, businesses, schools, and media outlets to review their winter storm preparedness plans.  It is especially important for all new arrivals to the state to become familiar with the National Weather Service Watch and Warning definitions, as well as winter safety procedures. 

Snow in Colorado is important to the farmers, the ski areas, and for filling up reservoirs.  However, winter storms often bring heavy snow, bitterly cold temperatures, high winds, low visibilities and slick roads.  This can lead to dangerous travel conditions and other life threatening situations such as avalanches and very frigid wind chill temperatures.

To help you prepare for these hazards this coming winter the National Weather Service will issue statements throughout the week to discuss:

Monday:  Winter Travel Safety

Tuesday:  Watches, Warnings, and Advisories

Wednesday:  High Winds

Thursday:  Wind Chill Temperatures and Hypothermia

Friday:  Avalanche Safety

Saturday:  Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Review

Anyone who needs information on winter storms in Colorado should contact their nearest National Weather Service Office.

Boulder Office:  303-494-3210

Grand Junction Office:  970-243-7007

Goodland Kansas Office:  785-899-7119

Pueblo Office:

If you live near Pueblo Call:  719-948-3371

If you live near Colorado Springs Call:  719-473-6846

If you live near Alamosa Call:  719-589-3232

This guest blog written by Pringle, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service, Grand Junction.

State EOC Monitoring Current Weather Conditions in El Paso County: #COwx

The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is currently monitoring weather conditions in El Paso County especially over the Waldo Canyon Burn scar.

The State EOC will be conducting a conference call with the Pueblo National Weather Service at 11:30 a.m. for updates on the current and predicted weather in the area.

Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week in Review: #COwx

Severe Weather Awareness Week in Colorado concludes today. During the past week we have presented information and safety rules for tornadoes, lightning and wildfires, floods and flash floods, straight-line thunderstorm winds, hail and our warning programs.

We will now review some of the most important safety rules in our effort to build a Weather-Ready Nation. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/

Be Weatherwise

Be “weatherwise” by staying informed on expected weather in your area. The National Weather Service is typically aware of the potential for severe weather many hours or even days before any severe weather watches or warnings are issued. Providing forecast products to heighten your awareness. A Weather Story product is posted each day on National Weather Service internet pages and Facebook pages which includes a map and text on possible hazardous weather expected within the next seven days.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

A Hazardous Weather Outlook is also issued daily with information on possible hazardous weather through the next seven days. A watch is issued when conditions for severe weather or flooding become possible. A warning is then issued when life threatening conditions are imminent or occurring.

Tornadoes

The best way to protect yourself from tornadoes is to have a plan of action. The safest place to be if a tornado approaches is in a basement or safe room within a well-built structure or in an underground storm shelter. If none of these options are available move to a hallway or a small interior room on the lowest floor usually this is a closet or bathroom. Get under a heavy piece of furniture or in a bath tub and cover yourself with blankets. Remember, the greatest risk of injury from tornadoes is from flying debris.

Modular homes and mobile homes, even those tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. If a tornado approaches leave those locations and seek safety in a nearby sturdy building or storm shelter.

If you are driving in open country and see a tornado, if time permits, the best thing to do is simply drive away from the tornado path. Do not take shelter beneath a highway overpass. Wind speeds may actually be higher in these areas and often become collection points for debris.

If you are in an automobile and a tornado is fast approaching with little time for action either remain buckled in your vehicle and crouch down or abandon your vehicle and lie in a ditch or culvert away from your vehicle and protect your head.

As a last resort, if you are caught outside and cannot seek shelter inside a sturdy structure crawl into a culvert or lie down in a narrow dry ditch or ravine and cover your head.

Lightning

Since 1980 lightning has killed and injured more people in Colorado than any other thunderstorm hazard. Lightning also causes many wildfires.

The best defense to protect yourself against a lightning strike is to plan ahead and avoid being caught where you might be vulnerable. Check weather forecasts prior to venturing out especially if you are heading into the mountains. Plan outdoor activities early in the day before storms develop.


If thunderstorms threaten seek shelter in a building or in an enclosed metal-roof vehicle making sure all windows and doors are closed. Never seek shelter under an isolated tree. During thunderstorms, stay off corded telephones, away from electrical devices and away from plumbing. Also get out of shower stalls, bath tubs, swimming pools and lakes when lightning is nearby.

You should wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before resuming outdoor activities. “When Thunder Roars… Go Indoors!”

Floods and Flash Floods

When flooding or flash flooding is possible you should remain alert and be ready to quickly evacuate to higher ground or climb to safety. Flash floods often occur suddenly and without warning. You need to follow some basic flood safety rules.

Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions. If you are near a river be aware of water levels and be prepared to move to higher ground if river levels rise. Do not enter areas that are already flooded. If walking or fishing along a river be aware that erosion from swift running water can cause river banks to collapse. Never let your children play around high water, storm drains, viaducts or arroyos.

Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle related. While driving your automobile look out for flooding at highway dips, bridges and low areas. Two feet of moving water will carry away most vehicles. Never attempt to drive across a flooded road. And be especially cautious at night when it is difficult to see flood dangers.

Strong Straight-line Thunderstorm Winds

Straight-line winds from thunderstorms,including microbursts, can become quite strong even reaching speeds in excess of 100 m.p.h. in extreme cases. When thunderstorms approach high winds can suddenly develop causing things on the ground to become swift moving airborne missiles with a potential force to injure or kill. As with any thunderstorm seek shelter before the storm arrives.

Hail

Large hail can pose a danger to animals and people. Hail also produces considerable damage to crops and personal property each year in Colorado. Again, get indoors before thunderstorms arrive. A fall of small hail can suddenly change to a fall of very large ice missiles which can injure or kill. Make efforts to protect personal property before storms threaten.

Warning Notification

When thunderstorms threaten tune to NOAA weather radio all hazards, the weather channel, or your local radio or television stations. Also check the internet web site from the National Weather Service office serving your area. During threatening weather days plan the actions you will need to take so that you will be prepared if dangerous weather conditions actually develop.

NOAA's National Weather Service wishes you a safe severe weather season.

Lightning and Lightning Safety

When Thunder Roars...Go Indoors

 Thunderstorms produce some of the most dangerous weather on earth including tornadoes, flash floods, large hail, and destructive straight-line winds. However, the most dangerous aspect of thunderstorms in Colorado is usually lightning.

Since 1980 lightning has killed and injured more people in Colorado than any other thunderstorm hazard with an average of 3 fatalities and 13 injuries each year. These numbers are probably higher as studies indicate that many lightning casualties especially injuries are not reported.

In addition to producing human casualties, lightning also ignites most forest and range-land fires in the Centennial State. Many of these wildfires occur when lightning is generated from thunderstorms which produce little or no rainfall. This type of lightning is commonly referred to as dry lightning.

The safest thing for you to do if you are outside and lightning or thunder begins to occur is to immediately get inside a substantial building such as a house, a store or a church. A hard-topped vehicle such as a car or truck also offer excellent protection from lightning. Once inside a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle keep all windows and doors closed and do not touch any metal inside the vehicle. It is then recommended that you wait at least 30 minutes from the last rumble of thunder before returning outside.

 A recent lightning safety study has shown that 95 percent of the people who were struck by lightning while outdoors had a nearby substantial building or vehicle nearby. Remember there is no safe place outdoors when lightning is occurring. Do not seek shelter under picnic shelters, dugouts, porches, trees, carports or tents. These types of structures are not safe when lightning is occurring.

Once inside a substantial building stay off corded telephones since the electrical discharge can travel along the telephone lines and produce fatal results. Stay away from water such as showers, tubs and sinks. Even indoor swimming pools are not safe when lightning is occurring. It is also recommended that you unplug sensitive electronics such as computers when lightning is expected to occur nearby.

The best defense to protect yourself against a lightning strike is to plan ahead and avoid being caught where you might be vulnerable. Check the weather forecasts prior to venturing out especially if you are heading into the mountains. Plan your outdoor activities for early in the day before thunderstorms typically develop. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards and check the National Weather Service forecasts at www.weather.gov.

It is very important that all sports leagues and other outdoor groups have a lightning response plan that is understood and consistently applied for the safety of the participants. Part of the plan would include a designated weather watcher at each outdoor event with the authority to postpone or cancel the event due to the threat of lightning.

Remember, if thunderstorms threaten seek shelter in a substantial building or in an enclosed metal roof vehicle. For more information on lightning safety please check out the web site www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov. For more information about lightning in Colorado please go to the Colorado Lightning Resource webpage at www.weather.gov/pub/ltg.php

...on Sunday............Introduction
...on Monday……...Watches and Warnings
...on Tuesday……..Tornadoes and Tornado Safety
...on Wednesday... Flood and Flash Flood Safety
...on Thursday…....Downburst Wind and Hail
...on Friday………...Lightning and Lightning Safety
...on Saturday…......Severe Weather Awareness Week in Review

This blog posting provided by the Colorado Forecast Offices of the National Weather Service. 

Floods and Flash Floods: #COwx

Today’s Severe Weather Awareness Week Topic is on Flood & Flash Flood Safety

In Colorado, there are two distinct types of flooding.

The first type occurs when the snow begins to melt in the high country and rivers begin to rise. Flooding along rivers and streams can occur with a very rapid snow melt, or from thunderstorm rains combining with the runoff from melting snow.

The second type of flooding, flash flooding, refers to a dangerous sudden rise in water along a creek, wash, river, or over a normally dry land area. Flash floods result from heavy rainfall, sudden breaks in river ice jams, and dam or levee failures. Flash floods can occur within a few minutes or hours, and can move at surprisingly high speeds, striking with little warning. Flash floods are quite destructive because of the force of the moving water, and the debris that accumulates in flood waters, such as trees and boulders, which can destroy roadways, bridges and buildings.

In recent years we have seen serious flooding when heavy rain falls on recently burned areas. Residents in and near burned areas should plan ahead on response actions for flooding.

Hazardous Weather Outlooks

The National Weather Service will discuss flood and flash flood potential in daily Hazardous Weather Outlooks and in the “Weather Story” on National Weather Service websites.

On days with a high threat for flooding you may hear:

• a flash flood or flood watch, which means that flash flooding or flooding is possible within the watch area.
• a flood warning, which means that flooding is imminent or has been reported along a river. 
• a flash flood warning, which means that flash flooding has been reported or is imminent. When a flash flood warning is issued for your area, act quickly. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Go to higher ground or climb to safety before access is cut off by flood waters.

An Urban Flood Advisory will be issued for impact flooding that is not in itself life threatening. In an urban area if you were commuting during rush hour during a Flood Advisory you could expect some intersections to be underwater and a much longer commute. A Small Stream Flood Advisory might be issued when flows are at bank-full with minor lowland flooding along the stream.

Flood SafetyInformation

Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle related. Do not enter a flooded roadway. Instead, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”. In rapidly rising waters, backing up away from water may be safer. One to two feet of water will carry away most vehicles. Additionally, roads inundated by water may be damaged or washed out with no way for you to see that the road is impassable.

Colorado’s Severe Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday.

...on Sunday............Introduction
...on Monday……...Watches and Warnings
...on Tuesday……..Tornadoes and Tornado Safety
...on Wednesday...Flood and Flash Flood Safety
...on Thursday…....Downburst Wind and Hail
...on Friday………...Lightning and Lightning Safety
...on Saturday…......Severe Weather Awareness Week in Review

This blog provided by the Colorado Forecast Offices of  the National Weather Service.

Tornadoes and Tornado Safety: COwx

This is Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week a time when the National Weather Service reminds you of the hazards associated with thunderstorms. The topic for today is tornadoes and tornado safety.

Tornado Information

The threat of tornadoes in Colorado increases rapidly in May and continues through August. Ninety percent of Colorado tornadoes occur during this four month period, but tornadoes have been reported as early as February and as late as October.

Tornadoes have been reported in just about all areas of the state, but historically 95 percent of Colorado tornadoes occur along and east of Interstate 25 where heat and moisture in the lower atmosphere are often more abundant. Tornadoes have occurred at every hour of the day, but most occur between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Across the country about 90 percent of tornadoes are considered weak with winds under 110 m.p.h. Winds of this magnitude will damage a wood frame construction home but may completely destroy a mobile home or outbuilding. They typically have a life span of 5 or 10 minutes and result in less than 5 percent of tornado fatalities.

About 10 percent of tornadoes are considered strong with winds up to 165 mph. Winds of this magnitude will cause considerable damage to most buildings. These tornadoes may last 20 minutes or longer and are responsible for nearly 30 percent of tornado deaths.

Violent tornadoes account for only 1 percent of all tornadoes, but they result in nearly 70 percent of all tornado fatalities because they destroy much of what is in their path. Violent tornadoes can last over an hour and travel over 50 miles before dissipating. The only chance of surviving a violent tornado is to be inside a safe room or underground shelter.

Tornado Safety:  Get In, Get Down, Cover Up

An easy phrase to remember for tornado safety is to get in, get down, and cover up. Get inside a sturdy building, get down to the lowest floor or most interior room in that building, and cover your head.

The best option for tornado safety is to be inside a well-built structure within a basement, safe room or underground storm shelter. If none of these options are available move to a hallway or a small interior room on the lowest floor such as a closet or bathroom. Cover yourself with blankets or get under a sturdy piece of furniture because the greatest risk of injury from tornadoes is from flying debris.

Abandon modular homes and mobile homes as they offer little protection from tornadoes. If a tornado approaches leave these locations and seek safety in a nearby sturdier building or storm shelter.

If you are driving in open country and see a tornado simply drive away from the tornado path if time permits. Do not take shelter beneath a highway overpass. If you are in an automobile and a tornado is fast approaching with little time for action...either pull over and remain buckled in your vehicle while crouching down or abandon your vehicle and lie in a ditch or culvert away from your vehicle and protect your head.

If you are caught outside and cannot find a safe shelter crawl into a culvert or lie down in a narrow ditch and cover your head. But remember that the worst place to be when a tornado threatens is outside in the midst of flying debris.

Remember you can get the latest weather forecasts and severe weather watches and warnings from a local NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards station. Severe weather information is also available on the internet from the Grand Junction National Weather Service office at www.weather.gov/gjt.

...on Sunday............Introduction
...on Monday……...Watches and Warnings
...on Tuesday……..Tornadoes and Tornado Safety
...on Wednesday...Flood and Flash Flood Safety
...on Thursday…....Downburst Wind and Hail
...on Friday………...Lightning and Lightning Safety
...on Saturday…......Severe Weather Awareness Week in Review

Watches and Warnings: Understanding Severe Weather Watches and Warnings: #COwx

It is Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week.  The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is partnering with the National Weather Service Forecast Offices in Colorado to bring you daily briefs on preparing and understanding the severe weather in the state.  Today we focus on watches and warnings.  The NWS is providing a new blog each day.

The National Weather Service sees the potential for severe weather and a stream of weather information flows from our forecast offices to you.

Each National Weather Service forecast office has a web site, a Facebook page, and a Twitter feed where you can find weather stories. These are graphical looks at upcoming weather hazards. The Hazardous Weather Outlook is a text product and it is also available. It highlights weather hazards -sometimes seven days in advance.

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma also forecasts the chance for severe weather across the country several days in advance. These outlooks will tell you if there is a chance for severe weather and if you are in a slight risk, moderate risk, or high risk area for severe weather. http://www.spc.noaa.gov/

Watches

If severe weather becomes likely within six hours a watch will be issued to alert you of the higher chance for severe weather in or close to the watch area. If you are in or close to the watch area plan where you would go for shelter if severe weather was to occur. If high wind is a threat tying down or bringing loose objects indoors is a good idea. If large hail is a threat protecting your vehicle is a good idea.

Warnings

Then forecasters at the local National Weather Service office will monitor satellite and radar data and talk with severe weather spotters. Forecasters will issue warnings and quickly send them out to alert you of the imminent severe weather threat. The warnings are sent out in many different ways in order to reach the most people possible.

A warning is an urgent message telling you that severe weather or flooding is imminent or is occurring. Warnings are usually issued for an area smaller than a county.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued for wind gusts of 58 mph or higher or for hail one inch in diameter or greater.

A Tornado Warning is issued when tornadoes are imminent or occurring.

A Flash Flood Warning is issued for rapidly developing life threatening flooding.

How to Receive Watch or Warning Updates

Before and during severe weather you can receive watches, warnings, and advisories on NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards. (http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/) It is recommended that you buy a weather radio receiver with a built-in tone alarm which is activated by the National Weather Service when watches and warnings are issued. You can also find warnings on the internet or receive them from your local radio or television stations.

Do not be caught off guard. Know how to receive watch and warning information...and know what to do when severe weather threatens. Specific safety information will be available each day of this Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week.





...on Sunday............Introduction
...on Monday……...Watches and Warnings
...on Tuesday……..Tornadoes and Tornado Safety
...on Wednesday....Flood and Flash Flood Safety
...on Thursday…....Downburst Wind and Hail
...on Friday………...Lightning and Lightning Safety
...on Saturday…......Severe Weather Awareness Week in Review

OEM Monitoring Winter Weather Moving Across Colorado: #COwx

Weather projections show a cold front will be moving in around 6 p.m. tonight and should see snow showers starting between 6 - 9 p.m. this evening.

Metro Area - I-25 Corridor North - Snow Advisory
Snow Accumulation: Total snow accumulation of 5-10". 3-6" tonight through the morning and another 2-4" tomorrow.
Winds: Northerly winds 10-25 MPH with gusts up to 25-30 MPH.
Visibility: Could be 1/4 mile or less at times.
The storm should be clearing out of this area around 6 p.m. tomorrow night.

Northeast Region - Winter Storm Warning
Snow Accumulation: Total snow accumulation of 8-14" primarily east of a line from Greeley to Elbert County, with a total of 4-7" west of this line.
Winds: Northerly winds 20-30 MPH with gusts up to 35-40 MPH.
Visibility: Could be 1/4 mile or less at time due to blowing and driving snow.
The storm should be clearing out of the Northeast region in the late evening hour tomorrow night.

Palmer Divide - East - Winter Storm Warning
Snow Accumulation: Total snow accumulation along the Palmer Divide / Castle Rock area of 4-8" going east toward Limon total accumulation of 6-10".
Winds: Northerly winds 20-30 MPH with gusts up to 35 MPH.
Visibility: Could be 1/4 mile or less at time due to blowing and driving snow.
The storm should be clearing out of the Palmer Divide area late afternoon or in the early evening hours tomorrow.

Foothills - Snow Advisory
Snow Accumulation: Total snow accumulation of 6-11".
Winds: Northerly winds 10-25 MPH with gusts up to 25-30 MPH.
Visibility: Could be 1/4 mile or less at times.
The storm should be clearing out of this area around 6:00 p.m. tomorrow night.

Wireless Emergency Alerts Activated for the NWS

FEMA to Activate Wireless Emergency Alerts for the National Weather Service on June 28

Key Points

• Beginning at 12:00 p.m. MDT, the most critical National Weather Service warnings will be triggering Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on WEA-capable phones. 
• National Weather Service produced Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) messages are pushed to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS).  These messages are formatted to trigger a WEA broadcast for the following types of NWS warnings:
  • Tornado Warnings
  • Flash Flood Warnings
  • Hurricane and Typhoon Warnings
  • Extreme Wind Warnings
  • Blizzard and Ice Storm Warnings
  • Dust Storm Warnings
  • The NWS will be working to enable Tsunami Warnings for WEA through the summer.

Links for More Information:

• NWS Weather Ready Nation WEA Information Page
  
• Information on FEMA IPAWS

What Do You Do After a Tornado Strikes?

Safety Tips to Follow After a Tornado Strikes

 

• Check for injuries.  Provide or secure medical assistance for those with injuries.
• Monitor the web, radio or television for weather and disaster updates.  Secure battery operated equipment to receive updates or to monitor.
• Before entering a damaged structure make sure it is safe and stable.
• Wear sturdy shoes or boots to protect your feet from debris in the area.
• Stay away from downed power lines.  Report electrical hazards to local responders and utility company.
• Never use generators, pressure washers, grills, camp stoves or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage or camper - or even outside near an open window, door or vent. Carbon monoxide (CO) - an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if you breathe it - from these sources can build up in your home, garage or camper and poison the people and animals inside. Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed or nauseated.
• Stay out of the area as much as possible.

Safety information can be obtained from http://www.ready.gov/tornadoes.

#COwx  #Tornado