Dealing With Storm Anxiety: NWS Meteorologists’ Advice On Empowering Yourself
Feeling anxious about severe weather? NWS meteorologists share tips to empower yourself and take control of your storm fears. πͺοΈ #StormAnxiety #MidwestWeather #WeatherSafety
Winona, MN – Have you ever felt that pit in your stomach when dark clouds start to roll in? That sense of unease that comes with the sound of distant thunder? If so, you’re not alone. Many people in the Midwest experience storm anxiety, especially during severe weather season. But according to meteorologists at the National Weather Service (NWS), there are ways to empower yourself and take control of your fears.
πͺοΈ Understanding Your Fears
The first step is to understand what exactly makes you afraid or anxious about storms. Is it the loud booms of thunder that make your heart race? The flashes of lightning that illuminate the sky? Or maybe it’s the uncertainty of not knowing what might happen to you and your loved ones. By pinpointing the source of your anxiety, you can start to find ways to cope with those specific stressors.
π‘οΈ Knowledge is Power
One of the best ways to combat storm anxiety is through education. Learning about how storms are forecasted and what the various watch, warning, and advisory terms mean can help you feel more in control. The NWS offers free storm spotter training classes where you can learn about tornadoes and severe storms from the experts themselves.
Another great resource is your local NWS office. On a calm, sunny day, consider visiting the forecasters who work tirelessly to keep you safe during severe weather. Putting faces to the voices you hear on the radio or see on TV can help you feel more connected and reassured.
π Creating a Plan
Advance preparation is key to reducing stress levels when storms are on the horizon. Take some time to think about where you and your family will take shelter if a tornado is heading your way. Practice getting everyone, including pets, to that safe place quickly and efficiently. Put together a safety kit with essential supplies like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and batteries.
It’s also important to have a communication plan in case you lose power or cell service. Make sure everyone in your family knows how to get in touch with each other and where to meet up if you get separated.
π Staying Informed
When severe weather is in the forecast, it’s natural to want all the information you can get. But with so many sources on social media, it can be overwhelming and even anxiety-inducing. Stick to official sources like the NWS, your local TV meteorologists, and emergency management agencies for the most accurate and reliable information. We also publish daily articles with the latest NWS info on our weather blog (bookmark us!).
Make sure you have at least three different ways to receive warnings, such as local television, NOAA Weather Radio, phone apps, outdoor warning sirens, or community notification systems. Familiarize yourself with how these warning systems work in your area.
πΊοΈ Tracking the Storms
For some people, being able to see the storms on radar and track their movement can be empowering. There are many apps that provide detailed radar data and even plot your location in relation to the storms. You can also access free radar on the NWS website and local TV station websites.
Take some time to learn your local geography, like nearby cities, counties, and highways. This will make it easier to understand where the storms are and where they’re headed, which can help ease your anxiety.
π You’ve Got This!
Remember, storms are a natural part of life in the Midwest, but they don’t have to control your life. By understanding your fears, educating yourself, creating a plan, staying informed, and tracking the storms, you can take back the power and feel more in control during severe weather.
Stay tuned for the next article in our series, where we’ll dive deeper into creating a personalized severe weather plan for you and your family. Together, we can weather any storm that comes our way! π
π£ Do you worry about the weather? Suffer from storm anxiety? You are NOT alone! We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. β¬οΈ