Fayette County

9-1-1/Emergency Management

Weather Facts & Information

Thunderstorms

 

Thunder and lightning storms are as dangerous as tornadoes.  Nearly 1,800 thunderstorms are in progress at all times all around the world.  You will most likely run into one this spring or summer so be prepared, these storms can occur in any area of the United States.  Never under estimate lightning this is probably the most dangerous part of a storm so take safety measures.

Safety Tips:

If You See Or Hear A Thunderstorm Coming Go Inside A Sturdy Building Or Car

Move Away From Tall Things Like Trees, Towers, Fences, Telephone Line Or Power Lines (They Attract Lightning)

Stay Away From Metal Things That Lightning May Strike Such As Umbrellas, Baseball Bats, Fishing Rods, Camping Equipment and Bicycles

Tornadoes

Tornadoes can happen anywhere in the United States.  They appear as rotating, funnel shaped clouds that spin like a top and can sound like a freight train.  On May 31, 1998 there were numerous reports of Tornadoes all over Fayette County, most appeared in the sky and never touched down.  But on June 02, 1998 just two days after the first outbreak, Fayette County experienced a second outbreak this time there were several tornadoes that had touched down.  Tornadoes often travel in packs.  The worst disasters occur when a weather system causes dozens of Tornadoes to touch down in a short period of time.  This is what we experienced in Fayette County in 1998.  Tornado season runs from March To August, but can happen year round.  April, May and June are peak months.  Alway be prepared Tornadoes can strike without warning.
 

Safety Tips:

If You Hear A Tornado Coming Take Cover Right Away

Always Go To The Basement Or Cellar, If No Basement Go To the Middle Section Of The Building On The Lowest Level, Bathroom Or Closet

Get Under Something Sturdy, Such As Table and Get Into A Position By Lying Face Down, Draw Your Knees Up Under You, Cover The Back Of Your Head With Your Hands

If Your Outside Or In A Car Or Mobile Home And No Buildings Are Around, Go To A Ditch Or Low Lying Area, Listen For Water If You See Or Hear Water Move To Another Spot

Flash Flooding

A Flash Flood can happen very quickly without warning, thus making a flash flood the worst type of flood possible.  Some floods happen slowly with a steady period of rain, but a Flash Flood occurs after a very strong and heavy rain which creates a rush of water.  A Flash Flood can take only a few minutes to a few hours to develop.  Don't be fooled less then six inches of water can knock someone off their feet and two feet of water will make a car float.  Flood waters may deeper then you think and may be flowing with a strong force.  Just try to remember not to be tricked by thinking floods are fun.
 

Safety Tips:

If You Come Upon Flood Waters, Stop.  Turn Around And Go Another Way.  Climb To Higher Ground

If You Are In A Car Get Out Immediately And Move To Higher Ground

Never Play Around High Water Or Never Play In Ditches

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