Staying One Step Ahead of Severe Weather

As we enter into the winter season, severe weather, like straight-line winds, flash flooding, large hail and lightning, becomes a potential hazard for RVers. Since weather can change with little or no warning, it's important to be prepared for anything Mother Nature brings your way.

The National Weather Service considers a thunderstorm severe if it causes hail at least 3/4-inch in diameter, winds of 58 mph or stronger, or a tornado. Even though thunderstorms affect small areas when compared to winter storms, they can be extremely dangerous. Lasting an average of 30 minutes, there are an estimated 100,000 thunderstorms across the country every year.

Flash floods are very frightening. They are the number one cause of thunderstorm-related death and kill more than 140 people each year. It's surprising, but it only takes six inches of fast-moving water to knock an adult off his or her feet, and a vehicle can start to float in only two feet of water. According to the National Weather Service, most flash flood fatalities occur at night and most victims are people who become trapped in vehicles.

Large hail is created when strong rising currents of air within a storm carry droplets of water to a height that's so cold, freezing takes place. As the ice particles grow, they become too heavy to be supported by the air currents and they fall to the ground. These large stones of hail can fall at speeds of more than 100 mph. Large hail falling with such force causes more than $1 billion in damage to property and crops each year.

According to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), lightning causes an average of 80 fatalities and 300 injuries each year. Amazingly, the air near a lightning strike reaches 50,000 degrees F (hotter than the surface of the sun). To determine the distance of a thunderstorm, count the number of seconds between a lightning flash and the next clap of thunder. Divide this number by 5 to calculate the distance to the lightning in miles.

There are many myths about lightning. Many people believe that the rubber tires of a vehicle will protect them from being struck by lightning. Actually, rubber tires do not provide protection. The steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle does provide some protection, as long as no metal is touched. Even though it's possible to be injured by lightning if it strikes your vehicle, you are much safer in your vehicle than out.

The downburst is a type of straight-line wind that can cause damage equivalent to a strong tornado. A small area of air descends quickly beneath a thunderstorm. The dry microburst is another type of downburst. It occurs during times of little or no rain. These winds can exceed 100 mph and are common in the western U.S.

It helps to remain informed when questionable weather is brewing. A NOAA Weather Radio is a handy tool. This device will keep you informed of weather warnings, watches and forecasts 24 hours a day and sounds an alert to give immediate information about a life-threatening situation. It even broadcasts warning and post-event information for earthquakes, volcanic activity, chemical releases and oil spills.

Remember the 30/30 rule for lightning. If after seeing lightning you are unable to count to 30 before another clap occurs, go indoors and stay there until 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder. If you can hear thunder, it's possible to be struck by lightning. When a storm reaches your RV make sure the windows are shut and the blinds or curtains are closed. If windows break, the blinds will help prevent glass from shattering into your vehicle. Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose. Power surges from lightning can overload your air conditioner compressor, so keep the A/C off.

If you're caught outside in the woods, take shelter under short trees. If you're boating or swimming and a storm hits, move to land and find shelter as quickly as possible. If shelter is unavailable, keep yourself as low to the ground as possible. Make sure your spot is not subject to flooding and stay away from trees, fences and poles. If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end, experts recommend the following. Squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest possible target and minimize your contact with the ground. Do not lie down.

If you experience a flash flood, avoid walking, swimming or driving in flood waters-even if the water doesn't look very deep. Turn around and take a different route.

The American Red Cross recommends you first call 911 when a person is struck by lightning. Next, check for burns where the lightning entered and exited the body. Be aware lightning can cause nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight. If the victim has stopped breathing, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped, a trained person should administer CPR.

Learn first aid and CPR by taking a Red Cross first aid and CPR course. Call your local Red Cross chapter for class schedules and fees. Each year, many people are injured and killed by severe thunderstorms in spite of advance notice. Take National Weather Service warnings very seriously and be prepared if a thunderstorm hits before you can leave the area.

The NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) network provides comprehensive weather and emergency information including broadcast listings and coverage for National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day.