Dealing With Storm Anxiety: NWS Meteorologists’ Tips On Navigating Storm Anxiety
Do you worry about the weather? NWS meteorologists share their top tips for navigating storm anxiety in the Midwest. šŖļø #StormSafety #MidwestWeather #WeatherWisdom
Winona, MN – As Midwesterners, we’re no strangers to severe weather. The sound of sirens and the sight of dark, ominous clouds can send our hearts racing. But fear not! We’ve got some sage advice from the experts at the National Weather Service (NWS) to help you navigate storm anxiety like a pro.
šŖļø Diversify Your Weather Info Sources
While local TV stations are a fantastic resource for weather updates, they might not always cover the storms in your area as extensively as you’d like. NWS meteorologists recommend having multiple ways to stay informed. Free phone apps, NOAA Weather Radio, and social media are all great options. Plus, there are apps that allow you to track storms on radar, so you can see exactly what’s happening in your neck of the woods. Another great resource? Bookmark our weather news page: we post daily and get info direct from the NWS.
š Familiarize Yourself with Local Geography
If you’re new to the area or just not sure where all the counties, cities, and highways are, grab a state highway map (or find one online). Make sure it has county outlines and names, as warnings and other information often use counties to describe locations. Knowing your county and the surrounding ones, especially to the northwest, west, and southwest (where storms usually come from), can help you stay on top of things. Meteorologists also refer to cities, towns, and highways when describing storm locations and movement, so brush up on your local geography to reduce stress during severe weather.
ā ļø When to Change Your Plans
Deciding whether to alter your plans based on a weather forecast can be tricky. NWS experts suggest erring on the side of caution, especially when it comes to severe weather. Consider factors like the time of day the storms are expected, your proximity to shelter, your ability to hear warnings, and whether you’ll be driving. The type of bad weather also matters ā tornadoes, hail, wind, lightning, and flooding can all impact your plans differently.
š¤ļø Getting Familiar with Local Weather Patterns
If you’re new to the area, NWS meteorologists recommend taking a free storm spotter training class. These classes, usually offered in early spring, provide invaluable information about the storms in your region. You can also seek advice from friends or family who have lived in the area for a while and find reliable sources of local weather information.
šØ Identifying Dangerous Storms
Not all storms are created equal, and it’s essential to know which ones pose the greatest threat. Tornado warnings always require special attention and action if you’re in the path. Severe thunderstorm warnings are also crucial, as they indicate storms capable of producing dangerous winds and damaging hail. The full text version of an NWS warning provides detailed information about the storm, including the type of hazard (hail or wind), its severity, location, movement, and who’s in the path.
š Remember: You Got This!
Remember, while severe weather can be scary, you’ve got an incredible team of experts watching your back. From the dedicated TV meteorologists to the local emergency management officials operating sirens and warning systems, to the hardworking folks at the NWS, you live in an area with vast experience in dealing with severe weather. Heck now you even know two friendly Minnesota bloggers who are looking out for ‘ya too! Hehe.
So take a deep breath, stay informed, and know that you’re in good hands. Stay tuned for the next article in our series, where we’ll dive even deeper into staying safe and sane during storm season!
š£ 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. ā¬ļø
