Unpredictable Spring Weather

Spring is the time of year when many things change—including the weather. Sunny days may be followed by a week of stormy weather. Sometimes extreme weather changes can occur within the same day.

Thunderstorms cause most of the severe spring weather. Whenever warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, thunderstorms can occur, bringing with them lightning, tornadoes and flooding.

Because spring weather is so unpredictable, you may be unprepared when severe weather hits—particularly if you live in a region that does not often experience thunderstorms, tornadoes or flooding.

When severe weather hits unexpectedly, the risk of injury and death increases. So planning ahead makes sense. Prepare for storms, floods, and tornadoes as if you know in advance they are coming, because in the spring, they very likely will.

Advance planning for thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes and floods requires specific safety precautions. Still, you can follow many of the same steps for all extreme weather events. You should have on hand:

• A battery-operated flashlight and NOAA Weather Radio and extra batteries
• An emergency evacuation plan and shelter in place plan for every type of severe weather emergency and every location
• A list of telephone numbers and other personal and home information
• A first aid kit and personal hygiene items
• A 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• An emergency kit in your car

Why not take the surprise factor out of severe weather and prepare yourself, your family, and your home? You may not have to deal with extreme weather events this spring, but if thunderstorms, tornadoes and floods do occur, you’ll be ready for them.

See also Prepare for Unpredictable Spring Weather.