A weather radio is something everybody should have in their emergency preparedness kits. There are many weather radios available, which can make choosing just the right one seemingly difficult. I live in Florida -- a state also known as Hurricane Alley. So, I want the best weather radio I can find. … [Read more...]
Storm Surge Explained: See Why This Type Of Flooding From Hurricanes & Tropical Storms Is So Dangerous + 5 Tips To Stay Safe
A storm surge is one of the biggest dangers along the coast when a hurricane, tropical storm, or other serious sea storm makes landfall. While many people think wind damage is the most serious impact of severe weather such as hurricanes, it's often the case that coastal storm surge flooding leads to the greatest loss of life and property. But what exactly is a storm surge? Why are storm surges so bad? And how can you stay safe from floods and rising waters during a hurricane or other … [Read more...]
Here’s Proof That Food And Weather Go Hand In Hand: 4 Little-Known Facts About Bad Weather & Food
Food and bad weather emergencies are inextricably linked to one another. When hurricanes or blizzards threaten, you can pretty much count on at least one thing -- you won't be finding very much milk, bread, eggs, or bottled water at the local grocery store! As it turns out, there is a much greater connection between food and weather disasters than just long lines and empty store shelves. … [Read more...]
31 Deadly Weather Facts + A List Of The Most Dangerous Weather Events
I love finding interesting weather facts. The ones that I'm going to share with you in this post (unfortunately) have nothing to do with pretty rainbows, awesome sun dogs, amazing clouds, or beautiful sunsets. These facts cover some of the most dangerous and deadly weather conditions that many of us face each year. I'm talking about rain, snow, cold snaps, heat waves, lightning, hail, strong winds, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other deadly forces of nature! … [Read more...]
4 Sizzling Facts About Summer Weather That May Surprise You!
Down in Florida, where I live, we seem to have summer weather for about 8 months out of the year. My friends up north say they’re lucky if they see any signs of summer for more than a few weeks at a time. Of course, no matter where you live in the United States, sooner or later, hot, summer weather will find you -- even if only for a short period of time. But when exactly is summer? What causes summer weather? And what's up with those "dog days" of summer? … [Read more...]
How To Measure Wind Damage From Tornadoes, Hurricanes & Other Storms
Wind damage – its dramatic impacts are sometimes the first images we see following a hurricane, tornado, or strong thunderstorm. Fortunately, meteorologists are doing an incredible job at improving forecasting methods so homeowners, municipal leaders, and emergency officials can prepare for storms ahead of time and potentially prevent wind damage. In my Florida city, for example, hurricane season always means city and county code enforcement officials are out in strong numbers inspecting … [Read more...]
Should We Be Naming Winter Storms? Why One Weather Watcher Thinks The Idea Is On Thin Ice
There's been a flurry of attention lately about the move The Weather Channel has made on naming winter storms. The network, which has been on the air since 1982, has stood behind the move that has been getting frosty reviews by many. While as a Floridian I live in a state that is lucky if it sees a dusting of flurries once every couple of years, I am no stranger to the idea of naming storms. Do the names Andrew, Charley, or Donna ring a bell, anyone? Of course, here in Florida, we get … [Read more...]
Hypercanes: Severe Hurricanes You Wouldn’t Want to Mess With
You know those severe hurricanes in the movies that wipe out entire cities, wash away beaches, and render millions of people homeless? The computers at Hollywood’s studios aren’t the only ones cooking these devastating storms – those at the desks of some weather scientists across the United States are, too. As a resident of Florida – you know, that spit of land in Hurricane Alley that eerily seems to break off the U.S. mainland and sink into an Atlantic abyss in every other potential … [Read more...]
5 Dangerous and Costly Hurricane Facts and Myths Debunked
There are many myths about hurricanes, but the facts behind these storms could make the difference between life and death if you live by any of the common misnomers about one of Mother Nature’s most powerful types of storms. Many hurricane facts and myths circle about in every day pop culture. I myself even used to believe some of these myths. However, I grew up in Florida, one of the most hurricane-prone states in the country. So, I quickly learned that many of the things I heard about … [Read more...]
Hurricane Shutters & Hurricane Windows: How They’re Different From Standard Windows And Shutters
Retrofitting your existing home or building a new one with the aim of resisting hurricane-force winds can be an expensive but worthy endeavor. One area many homeowners are especially prudent to focus on improving the durability of their windows and protecting windows and doorways from high winds and flying debris. The best way to ensure protection against brutally high winds is to install hurricane shutters and hurricane windows. But what's the difference between hurricane shutters and … [Read more...]
