hazardous weather planning for schools - dupage co

Hazardous Weather PlanningHazardous Weather PlanningFor SchoolsFor Schools

Jim Allsopp, Jennifer SchullerJim Allsopp, Jennifer SchullerNOAANOAA’’s National Weather Service, Chicagos National Weather Service, Chicago

National Weather ServiceNational Weather Service””provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warningsprovides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings, for the , for the

protection of life and property, and the enhancement of the natiprotection of life and property, and the enhancement of the national economy onal economy ““

Warnings and forecasts for Warnings and forecasts for Severe weatherSevere weatherWinter weatherWinter weatherNonNon--precipitationprecipitation

Serving the following communitiesServing the following communitiesAviationAviationMarineMarineHydrologyHydrologyFireFire

National Weather ServiceNational Weather Service......””provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warningsprovides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings, for the , for the


Products and servicesProducts and servicesDigital and text forecasts through 7 daysDigital and text forecasts through 7 daysNOAA Weather Radio broadcasts 24/7NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts 24/7Spot forecasts for HAZMAT and fire containment Spot forecasts for HAZMAT and fire containment

Emergency managementEmergency managementLand managementLand management

Climate data Climate data Preparedness and educational programs Preparedness and educational programs

SchoolsSchoolsCivic groupsCivic groupsBusinessesBusinesses

Hospitals, senior centers, nursing homesHospitals, senior centers, nursing homes

National Weather Service, RomeovilleNational Weather Service, Romeoville......””provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warningsprovides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings, for the , for the


All Four Pieces Are EssentialAll Four Pieces Are Essential

ParsonParson’’s Manufacturing Plant, s Manufacturing Plant, Roanoke, ILRoanoke, IL

View from ParsonView from Parson’’s Parking Lot s Parking Lot July 13, 2004July 13, 2004

ParsonParson’’s Destroyeds Destroyed

Getting Ready for Severe Weather Getting Ready for Severe Weather

Be familiar with severe weather threatsBe familiar with severe weather threatsMonitor Monitor -- Be able to receive weather warnings Be able to receive weather warnings and information. Have NOAA Weather Radioand information. Have NOAA Weather RadioMonitor Monitor -- Have trained severe storm spotters at Have trained severe storm spotters at your facilityyour facilityPlan Plan -- Designate tornado shelter areasDesignate tornado shelter areasPlan Plan -- Develop a severe weather plan and make Develop a severe weather plan and make sure all staff, bus drivers, and students are sure all staff, bus drivers, and students are trainedtrainedPractice Practice -- Conduct drillsConduct drills

DefinitionsDefinitionsSEVERE THUNDERSTORMSEVERE THUNDERSTORM -- A thunderstorm that A thunderstorm that produces damaging winds gusts of around 60 mph or greater, or produces damaging winds gusts of around 60 mph or greater, or hail 1 inch diameter or greater. hail 1 inch diameter or greater. DOWNBURSTDOWNBURST -- An intense downdraft from a thunderstorm An intense downdraft from a thunderstorm that produces damaging wind gusts of 60 mph or greater. that produces damaging wind gusts of 60 mph or greater. FUNNEL CLOUDFUNNEL CLOUD -- A rotating, funnelA rotating, funnel--shaped cloud shaped cloud extending from a thunderstorm or towering cumulus, NOT in extending from a thunderstorm or towering cumulus, NOT in contact with the ground.contact with the ground.TORNADOTORNADO -- A violently rotating column of air extending from A violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm, in contact with the ground. a thunderstorm, in contact with the ground. FLASH FLOODFLASH FLOOD -- ShortShort--term flood which poses a threat to life term flood which poses a threat to life and property. Flash flooding includes major small stream or and property. Flash flooding includes major small stream or urban flooding, rapidly flowing water, and dam/levee failure.urban flooding, rapidly flowing water, and dam/levee failure.


Be familiar with severe weather threatsBe familiar with severe weather threatsBe able to receive weather warnings and Be able to receive weather warnings and information. Have NOAA Weather Radioinformation. Have NOAA Weather RadioHave trained severe storm spotters at your Have trained severe storm spotters at your facilityfacilityDesignate tornado shelter areasDesignate tornado shelter areasDevelop a severe weather plan and make sure all Develop a severe weather plan and make sure all staff are trainedstaff are trainedConduct drillsConduct drills

Flash Floods/FloodsFlash Floods/Floods

Respect the power of moving water!

Flash Floods/FloodsFlash Floods/Floods

Flash Flood FactsFlash Flood Facts

Most flash floods occur in July, August and September.Most flash floods occur in July, August and September.

50% of flood fatalities are vehicle related. Many at night.50% of flood fatalities are vehicle related. Many at night.

Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pickups.including SUVs and pickups.

Six inches of fast moving water can knock you off your Six inches of fast moving water can knock you off your feet. Donfeet. Don’’t let kids play in or near flood waters.t let kids play in or near flood waters.

Turn Around, DonTurn Around, Don’’t Drown!t Drown!

LightningLightning

Flash to BangFlash to Bang -- method to determine distance method to determine distance from lightning; Count the number of seconds from lightning; Count the number of seconds from the flash of lightning until you hear the from the flash of lightning until you hear the bang of the thunder. Divide by 5 to get the bang of the thunder. Divide by 5 to get the distance in miles.distance in miles.

When thunder roars, go indoors!When thunder roars, go indoors!

HailHail

July 13, 2004 Supercell dropped baseball to softball size hail near Sublette in Lee County

…and later produced an F4 tornado near Roanoke in Woodford County

Storms that produce big hail are Storms that produce big hail are dangerous!dangerous!

Thunderstorms WindsThunderstorms WindsAlso Known as Downbursts or Microbursts, or Also Known as Downbursts or Microbursts, or

StraightStraight--line Windsline Winds

Severe Thunderstorm SafetySevere Thunderstorm Safety

Go indoors, stay away from windowsGo indoors, stay away from windowsRemember, large hail (golf ball+) occurs near Remember, large hail (golf ball+) occurs near the updraft of a supercell storm the updraft of a supercell storm -- the area where the area where a tornado could occur. If you encounter large a tornado could occur. If you encounter large hail, move quickly to a sturdy shelter!hail, move quickly to a sturdy shelter!

...and sometimes you get both!...and sometimes you get both!

TornadoTornado

Tornadoes occur Tornadoes occur anywhere in the anywhere in the Chicago metro areaChicago metro areaTornadoes can hit large Tornadoes can hit large cities cities –– Ft. Worth, Ft. Worth, Miami, Nashville, Salt Miami, Nashville, Salt Lake CityLake CityTornadoes occur at the Tornadoes occur at the lakefrontlakefrontMost move northeast Most move northeast but they can move but they can move southeast, especially southeast, especially later in summerlater in summer

Weak Tornado (EF0-EF1)winds 65 - 110 mph

70-75% of Illinois tornadoes

Strong Tornado (EF2-EF3)Winds 111-165 mph

25-30% of Illinois tornadoes

Violent Tornado (EF4-EF5)Winds 166-234 mph

1% of Illinois tornadoes

50 Year History of Violent 50 Year History of Violent Chicagoland Tornadoes Chicagoland Tornadoes

August 28, 1990 August 28, 1990 –– F5 PlainfieldF5 PlainfieldJune 13, 1976 June 13, 1976 –– F4 LemontF4 LemontMarch 20, 1976 March 20, 1976 –– F4 Deep River to Michigan City, INF4 Deep River to Michigan City, INSeptember 28, 1972 September 28, 1972 –– F4 North ChicagoF4 North Chicago--WaukeganWaukeganApril 21, 1967 April 21, 1967 –– F4s Belvidere, Lake Zurich, Oak LawnF4s Belvidere, Lake Zurich, Oak LawnApril 11, 1965 (Palm Sunday) April 11, 1965 (Palm Sunday) –– F4 Crystal LakeF4 Crystal LakeApril 17, 1963 April 17, 1963 –– F4 Bradley/BourbonnaisF4 Bradley/Bourbonnais



NWS Severe Weather InformationNWS Severe Weather InformationHAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOKHAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK –– issued issued daily at 430 AM and 430 PM. Potential for severe daily at 430 AM and 430 PM. Potential for severe thunderstorms and other hazardous weather thunderstorms and other hazardous weather –– 7 days.7 days.WATCHWATCH -- Conditions are favorable for severe weather Conditions are favorable for severe weather in the watch area. Issued by Storm Prediction Center, in the watch area. Issued by Storm Prediction Center, Norman, OK, Norman, OK, for widespread, organized events. Sometimes for widespread, organized events. Sometimes warnings are issued with no watch in effect.warnings are issued with no watch in effect.WARNINGWARNING -- Severe weather has been detected by Severe weather has been detected by Doppler radar or reported by a trained spotter. A Doppler radar or reported by a trained spotter. A warning means severe weather is imminent or highly warning means severe weather is imminent or highly likely. Issued by local NWS office.likely. Issued by local NWS office.

April 20, 2004April 20, 2004

April 20, 2004April 20, 2004

weather.gov/chicagoweather.gov/chicago

DonDon’’t rely on sirens t rely on sirens as your primary as your primary source of severe source of severe

weather warnings!!!weather warnings!!!



Why Do We Need Spotters?Why Do We Need Spotters?

Having spotters at your facility can give you early Having spotters at your facility can give you early warning and get people to safety, saving lives.warning and get people to safety, saving lives.Radar has limitations. Spotters are the only Radar has limitations. Spotters are the only method of getting the ground truth.method of getting the ground truth.Spotter reports are used in warnings and Spotter reports are used in warnings and statements. They give more credence to statements. They give more credence to warnings. warnings. Which statement would get a stronger public Which statement would get a stronger public reaction? reaction? ““Radar shows rotationRadar shows rotation”” or or ““Spotters report a Spotters report a tornado on the groundtornado on the ground””

How Do I Become a Storm Spotter?How Do I Become a Storm Spotter?

Attend a free, twoAttend a free, two--hour spotter training classhour spotter training classOffered throughout northern IL and northwest IN mid Offered throughout northern IL and northwest IN mid February through April, mostly weekday eveningsFebruary through April, mostly weekday eveningsHosted by county or local emergency management, Hosted by county or local emergency management, police or fire departmentspolice or fire departmentsProgram includes Program includes

Information on storm structureInformation on storm structureWhere within the storm severe weather is likelyWhere within the storm severe weather is likelyWhat cloud features and environmental clues could lead to What cloud features and environmental clues could lead to severe weathersevere weatherHow to relay information to local authorities and NWS How to relay information to local authorities and NWS



Flying Debris Flying Debris –– A TornadoA Tornado’’s Greatest Dangers Greatest Danger

Basement Basement –– under the stairs or heavy under the stairs or heavy piece of furniturepiece of furniture

Reinforced Tornado SheltersReinforced Tornado Shelters

Lowest FloorLowest Floor

Small Interior Rooms or HallsSmall Interior Rooms or Halls

Small Interior Rooms or HallsSmall Interior Rooms or Halls

Avoid Large Open AreasAvoid Large Open AreasGyms, Warehouses, StoresGyms, Warehouses, Stores

Avoid Glass and Exterior WallsAvoid Glass and Exterior Walls

High Rise BuildingsHigh Rise Buildings

No need to go to No need to go to lowest floorlowest floorGo to interior hall, Go to interior hall, bathroom or bathroom or stairwell.stairwell.Stay away from Stay away from windows.windows.

What to do with WindowsWhat to do with Windows

Do not open or close windows. (But close doors Do not open or close windows. (But close doors behind you) Get to shelter as quickly as you can. behind you) Get to shelter as quickly as you can. Open windows/doors may allow more wind to Open windows/doors may allow more wind to enter building, which can help lift off roof, or enter building, which can help lift off roof, or knock out walls on opposite side of buildingknock out walls on opposite side of buildingRemember; If a tornado hits your house, it will Remember; If a tornado hits your house, it will probably open the windows for you!probably open the windows for you!

Special ConsiderationsSpecial Considerations

Handicapped, hard of hearing, blind, or other special Handicapped, hard of hearing, blind, or other special needs childrenneeds childrenDo people have to move through an unsafe area to get Do people have to move through an unsafe area to get to shelter?to shelter?Most tornadoes move from the west or south. This can Most tornadoes move from the west or south. This can result in more damage to south and west facing sections result in more damage to south and west facing sections of buildingof buildingPotential projectiles Potential projectiles –– vehicles, rooftop air handlersvehicles, rooftop air handlersCan the roof of a oneCan the roof of a one--story hallway support the weight story hallway support the weight of a twoof a two--story gym wall falling on it?story gym wall falling on it?

40% of Tornado Deaths Occur in Mobile 40% of Tornado Deaths Occur in Mobile Homes! Go to a Substantial StructureHomes! Go to a Substantial Structure



Develop a PlanDevelop a Plan

Have Back Up PlansHave Back Up Plans


Be familiar with severe weather threatsBe familiar with severe weather threatsBe able to receive weather warnings and information. Be able to receive weather warnings and information. Have NOAA Weather RadioHave NOAA Weather RadioHave trained severe storm spotters at your facilityHave trained severe storm spotters at your facilityDesignate tornado shelter areasDesignate tornado shelter areasDevelop a severe weather plan and make sure all staff Develop a severe weather plan and make sure all staff are trainedare trainedConduct drills Conduct drills –– not at convenient times, but when not at convenient times, but when disasters are most likely to occurdisasters are most likely to occur

It Can Happen AnytimeIt Can Happen Anytime

November 16, 1989 Newburgh NY, LunchtimeNovember 16, 1989 Newburgh NY, Lunchtime –– A A downburst blew in windows, doors and a cinder block downburst blew in windows, doors and a cinder block wall of a school cafeteria. 9 children died, 21 injured.wall of a school cafeteria. 9 children died, 21 injured.April 21, 1967 Belvidere Il, 3:50 PMApril 21, 1967 Belvidere Il, 3:50 PM –– An F4 tornado An F4 tornado struck the high school as students boarded buses. 16 struck the high school as students boarded buses. 16 buses were tossed or rolled. 11 children killed, 140 buses were tossed or rolled. 11 children killed, 140 hospitalized.hospitalized.April 8, 1999, Hamilton, IL, 652 PM April 8, 1999, Hamilton, IL, 652 PM –– An F3 tornado An F3 tornado struck the baseball field and track, where activities had struck the baseball field and track, where activities had been canceled. 0 killed, 0 injured!been canceled. 0 killed, 0 injured!

Winter Weather HazardsWinter Weather Hazards

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK –– Highlight Highlight potentially hazardous weather through 7 dayspotentially hazardous weather through 7 daysWINTER STORM WATCH WINTER STORM WATCH –– Severe winter weather is Severe winter weather is possible in the next day or twopossible in the next day or twoWINTER STORM WARNING WINTER STORM WARNING –– Severe winter weather is Severe winter weather is imminent or highly likely to begin in the next 12 hours.imminent or highly likely to begin in the next 12 hours.

Heavy snow Heavy snow -- 6 inches or more6 inches or moreHeavy ice Heavy ice –– ¼¼ inch or more freezing rain, inch or more freezing rain, ½½ inch or more of sleetinch or more of sleetBlizzard Blizzard –– 35 mph winds and visibility < 35 mph winds and visibility < ¼¼ milemileCombination of snow, ice, windCombination of snow, ice, wind

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY –– Winter weather is Winter weather is imminent or highly likely to begin in the next 12 hours imminent or highly likely to begin in the next 12 hours –– lesser lesser amounts of snow and ice, inconvenience to travelersamounts of snow and ice, inconvenience to travelers

NonNon--Precipitation HazardsPrecipitation Hazards

WIND CHILL WARNING WIND CHILL WARNING –– wind chills wind chills --30F or colder30F or colderWIND CHILL ADVISORY WIND CHILL ADVISORY –– wind chills wind chills --20F to 20F to --30F30F

EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING –– Heat Index 105 or greater Heat Index 105 or greater for 2 daysfor 2 days

HEAT ADVISORY HEAT ADVISORY –– Heat index 100Heat index 100

HIGH WIND WARNING HIGH WIND WARNING –– Sustained winds 40 mph, gusts Sustained winds 40 mph, gusts 58 mph or more58 mph or more

WIND ADVISORY WIND ADVISORY –– Sustained winds 30 mph, gusts 45 mphSustained winds 30 mph, gusts 45 mph

DENSE FOG ADVISORY DENSE FOG ADVISORY –– Widespread visibility < Widespread visibility < ¼¼ milemileFREEZING FOG ADVISORY FREEZING FOG ADVISORY –– Icy roads/overpassesIcy roads/overpasses

School Bus SafetySchool Bus SafetyBe in communication with school or Be in communication with school or bus service dispatch. School or bus bus service dispatch. School or bus dispatch service must monitor weather!dispatch service must monitor weather!Do not release students to buses if a Do not release students to buses if a severe thunderstorm warning or tornado severe thunderstorm warning or tornado warning is issued. warning is issued. Buses should move quickly to the Buses should move quickly to the nearest safe shelter nearest safe shelter –– school, library, etc. school, library, etc. As a last resort As a last resort –– a ditch, culvert or low a ditch, culvert or low spot away from the bus. spot away from the bus. DonDon’’t drive through flooded roads.t drive through flooded roads.DonDon’’t release students from bus during t release students from bus during lightning, hail, high winds.lightning, hail, high winds.

Caledonia,MS 2005

Patterson, LA 2005

Belvidere, IL 1967

DonDon’’t Try to Escape in a Vehicle!t Try to Escape in a Vehicle!

Overpass is not a Shelter!Overpass is not a Shelter!

Moore, OK May 3, 1999

Other NWS ServicesOther NWS Services

Classroom presentations Classroom presentations –– general general meteorology/forecasting, severe weather, winter meteorology/forecasting, severe weather, winter weather, climateweather, climateCareer Day eventsCareer Day eventsJob shadowsJob shadowsNWS office tours NWS office tours

44thth grade and upgrade and upLimited to small groups Limited to small groups –– maximum about 25maximum about 25

weather.gov/chicagoweather.gov/[email protected]@noaa.gov

hazardous weather planning for schools - dupage co

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