Learn How to Tell if Severe Weather is Approaching with These Signs

Posted: May 4, 2021 9:13 am

As anyone who lives in an area prone to severe weather knows, thunderstorms and tornadoes can fire up in an instant. While these storms often catch people off guard, there are ways that you can learn to tell if a potentially dangerous storm is on the way. Here are just a few of the signs to watch out for when on the lookout for severe weather.

Keep an Eye on the Mercury and the Barometer

Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes generally form when warm and moist air at ground level mixes with dry and cooler air from above. This collision leads to the eruption of storms that may spawn tornadoes. If you are outside and happen to notice that the temperature quickly drops, there is a good chance that the collision of air masses has occurred and a storm is approaching.

Likewise, a change in the barometric pressure can also indicate that severe weather is on its way. A rapid drop in pressure is a tried and true clue that storms are hovering in the distance.

Beware of Changes to Wind Speed and Precipitation

Clearly, one of the most obvious signs of impending storms is the arrival of light precipitation. What many people may not realize is that a sudden calm in the air after a period of heavy rain or large hail can sometimes be an indication of a tornado in the area. This is where the term “the calm before the storm” comes from.

Sudden changes in the wind may also indicate that you need to take cover. Wind gusts that suddenly die down during or right after a bout of severe weather may be a sign that a twister is forming.

Understand Weather Terminology

It is also important to understand your weather terminology so that you can take the appropriate action. It is easy to get storm and tornado warnings and watches confused. A watch means that storms or tornadoes are possible within the watch area. A warning means that the weather event is imminent. For example, a tornado warning means that a twister has been spotted in the area. If your area is under a watch, you need to be mindful of the potential for severe weather. However, if you are put under a warning, it is time to take shelter immediately.

Take a Deep Breath and Smell the Air

Your nose can be an ally if trying to detect if severe weather is on the way. As a storm approaches, the moisture in the air becomes more evident, giving off a distinct scent. This prominent smell is easy to detect. The plants in your vicinity will also begin to get rid of their waste as the storm moves in, putting out a smell reminiscent of compost.

Cloud Movement

Watching the movement and changing colors of the clouds is an interesting way to determine where and when storms may strike. While the white and fluffy cumulus clouds are not dangerous, storms may be on the horizon if you notice that these types of clouds begin to stack up and tower. Clouds that appear blueish and then turn to green is a telltale sign that you need to seek shelter right away. Slowly drifting clouds that suddenly speed up or begin to swirl is yet another danger sign to be aware of when trying to spot storms.

Check the Radar

Lastly, one of the most fool-proof ways to know if severe weather is coming at you is to check the radar. With so many weather apps, it is easy to pull up a current radar on your phone. You can also sign up for alerts to let you know when severe weather is imminent in your area.

Once you acquaint yourself with these signs, it will be much easier for you to determine if it is time to wrap up your outdoor activities and head indoors for safety.

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