Severe weather can happen any time of day & when the threat is while you are sleeping, the danger significantly increases.
Studies show that nighttime tornadoes are two and a half times more likely to kill than their daytime counterparts.
“Overnight severe weather is a very precarious situation if folks aren’t prepared for it or if they are not anticipating it,” said Matt Hemingway, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, LA.
Severe storms can come in the form of large hail, damaging wind gusts, and tornadoes, and when it is after dark you may not see the storm coming until it’s too late.
With limited spotter contributions and fewer reports of ground truth, it makes it more difficult for meteorologists to get a clear picture of the situation.
It’s extremely important to make sure you are prepared ahead of the storm, starting with a way to get warnings.
**PREPARE, NOT PANIC** Overnight severe weather events are scary & we are here to help you prepare with a checklist on how you can be ready. Meteorologist @GarofaloWX has some potentially lifesaving tips, please share!
SEVERE FORECAST -> https://t.co/krHitnHWD0 pic.twitter.com/cjiZSRjZwl
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) January 9, 2020
“Cell phones you get those wireless emergency alerts but also a NOAA Weather Radio is still a tool that is valuable to have especially during this nighttime events,” Hemingway said. “It will alert you & the alarm will wake you up most likely.”
Make sure you have a plan in place of where to shelter during a tornado warning, and even an alternate location to spend the night if you live in a mobile home or in a structure where you do not feel safe.
We will always keep you informed here on WeatherNation whenever severe weather strikes.