Severe Weather Awareness Week: How To Stay Safe In The Storm

Severe weather season is almost here, and this week is dedicated to raising awareness about severe weather to keep safe come spring.  It's absolutely critical to pay attention to potential severe weather events. The best thing you can do to keep your family safe is have a way to get severe weather warnings when they are issued.

Severe thunderstorms can develop quickly and tornadoes can form within 20 to 45 minutes."So if you're not paying attention to the weather you're going to completely miss the warnings and it's going to affect you before you even know it's out there," said Dr. Steve Lyons of the National Weather Service Office in San Angelo.Lyons thinks that with today's technology the easiest way to get warnings is with your cell phone."It's a device that goes wherever you go 24 hours a day and that is probably the single most valuable tool," said Lyons.Simply search for NWS warning alerts online and you can sign up for one of many alert system that texts you free of charge.

Having a NOAA weather radio in your home is another great way to be notified in emergencies.Here in the Big Country, there are three major severe weather threats: hail, flooding and tornadoes."From the property loss standpoint hail is a big threat," said Lyons.Hail storms can stretch for up to four miles and devastate neighborhoods.Flooding from torrential rain can also be extremely dangerous.

So remember to never drive into water you don't know the depth of.And of course there's the threat everyone talks about."The tornado threat," said Lyons. "It's always real. Particularly in spring, peaking generally in April, May, and early June."In the event of a tornado warning seek shelter underground, or in the innermost, windowless room of your home immediately.