Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Little Rock AR
600 AM CST Sun Feb 24 2019

...Severe Weather Awareness Week in Arkansas Begins Today...

The National Weather Service, in cooperation with the Arkansas
Department of Emergency Management, has proclaimed the week of
February 24th through March 2nd as Severe Weather Awareness Week
in Arkansas.

Citizens are urged to use this week to understand the hazards of
severe weather, and to review the safety rules which they can use
to protect themselves when severe weather occurs.

A particular subject will be discussed each day.

Monday...Flooding
Tuesday...Lightning
Wednesday...Tornadoes
Thursday...Severe Thunderstorms
Friday...Watches and Warnings
Saturday...Social Media Communication

During Severe Weather Awareness Week, the National Weather Service
is asking people to think about where they would go when severe
weather threatens. So, if a Tornado Warning was issued, people
should know where to go for safety without hesitation.

In general, the safest place is a building on a permanent foundation
on the lowest floor in an interior room. The idea is to put as many
walls between yourself and the outdoors.

&&

For a list of all the tornadoes and other significant weather events
that occurred in 2018...

https://www.weather.gov/media/lzk/StormsOf2018.pdf

$$
---
* Synchronet * The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net - Little Rock, Arkansas
* Origin: capitolcityonline.net * Telnet/SSH:2022/HTTP (1:2320/105)

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Little Rock AR
600 AM CST Mon Feb 25 2019

...Todays Topic for Severe Weather Awareness Week is Flooding...

The National Weather Service, in cooperation with the Arkansas
Department of Emergency Management, has proclaimed the week of
February 24th through March 2nd as Severe Weather Awareness Week
in Arkansas.

A different topic will be discussed each day, and todays topic is
flooding.

High water usually comes in two phases: flash flooding and river
flooding.

Flash floods usually occur within six hours. The rate of
rainfall exceeds the rate of runoff; that is, rain falls faster
than it can be carried away. Because water has nowhere to go, it
covers roads and fills small streams and creeks.

Flash flooding is usually caused by very slow-moving thunderstorms,
or thunderstorms that repeatedly move over the same areas.

Urban settings are especially prone to flash floods due to large
amounts of concrete and asphalt surfaces that do not allow water to
penetrate into the soil.

Places surrounded by steep, hilly terrain are also susceptible to
flash floods due to rapid runoff /water moving downhill at elevated
speeds/ into streams and creeks.

In the last 30 years, flash flooding was the deadliest thunderstorm
hazard, and caused more fatalities than tornadoes and lightning.
There are an average of 80 to 90 fatalities annually due to flash
floods across the country.

Roughly half of flash flood deaths occur when people try to drive
through flooded areas. Moving water two feet deep is sufficient to
carry away most vehicles, even pickup trucks and sport utility
vehicles.

In 2018, there were two such fatalities in late November. The
victims were in a vehicle in the Harrison /Boone County/ area, and
got swept into a drainage ditch. The incident occurred at night
when it is difficult to recognize the dangers of flash flooding.

The most deadly flash flood event in recorded state history also
occurred after dark. In 2010, the Little Missouri River /a flashy
tributary/ rose more than 20 feet during the predawn hours of June
11th. This was after more than half a foot of rain. Campers at the
Albert Pike Recreation Area /Montgomery County/ were awakened to
raging water, and 20 people drowned.

River flooding is a longer term event than flash flooding, and can
last for several days or even weeks. Water from flash flooding
eventually makes its way into rivers, with excess liquid flowing
into nearby towns, fields, etc.

Rivers are most likely to overflow when the soil is saturated, and
runoff rates are high, and/or water levels are elevated prior to a
heavy rain event.

When rivers spill over, it can be devastating. Water can overtake
homes, businesses, and thousands of acres of cropland.

In 2017, a heavy rain event in late April filled rivers in early
May, and water engulfed more than 950,000 acres of cropland in
eastern Arkansas /in 21 of 75 counties/. Tributaries such as the
Black, White, and Cache Rivers were mostly responsible for the
high water. According to the the University of Arkansas System
Division of Agriculture, flooding resulted in over $175 million
in losses /especially to rice, soybeans, and corn/.

...Flood Safety Rules...

You should know which places in your area are prone to flooding, and
avoid these places in times of rising water.

Do not attempt to cross flowing streams while driving or on foot.

If flood waters are between you and your destination, the National
Weather Service wants you to remember a simple slogan: Turn Around -
Dont Drown.

Outdoor activities are very popular in Arkansas. If you enjoy camping
or similar recreation, be especially careful if you spend the night
near streams. A thunderstorm miles upstream from your location could
produce enough rain to cause flooding, even if it is not raining much
where you are.

Never allow children to play around high water, storm drains, and
culverts.

&&

For a list of all the tornadoes and other significant weather events
that occurred in 2018...

https://www.weather.gov/media/lzk/StormsOf2018.pdf

$$

46
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* Synchronet * The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net - Little Rock, Arkansas
* Origin: capitolcityonline.net * Telnet/SSH:2022/HTTP (1:2320/105)

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Little Rock AR
600 AM CST Tue Feb 26 2019

...Todays Topic for Severe Weather Awareness Week is Lightning...

The National Weather Service, in cooperation with the Arkansas
Department of Emergency Management, has proclaimed the week of
February 24th through March 2nd as Severe Weather Awareness Week
in Arkansas.

A different topic will be discussed each day, and todays topic
is lightning.

Lightning is a hazard in all thunderstorms, whether they are
severe or not. In the last 30 years, lightning was the third
deadliest thunderstorm hazard behind flash floods and tornadoes.
There are an average of 45 to 50 fatalities a year due to
lightning across the country.

In Arkansas in 2018, there were two lightning fatalities
reported. A 27-year-old man was struck by lightning while doing
construction work on June 8th. Lightning struck a 67-year-old
man on July 6th while he was in his yard.

Most lightning deaths and injuries occur in the summer /June,
July and August/ when people are outdoors. Eight out of ten
victims of lightning are male.

If a person is struck by lightning, that persons body will not
retain any electrical charge. Thus, the injured person can and
should be cared for immediately.

Lightning can strike as much as 10 miles away from a thunderstorm
cloud. Given this, it is no surprise that most lightning deaths
occur as a thunderstorm is approaching or moving away, and not
necessarily overhead.

Lightning tends to strike tall objects, but not always. The air
is a poor conductor of electricity, so lightning will often go
the shortest distance to make a connection from cloud to ground.

Statistics show that Arkansas is a top 10 state as far as lightning
activity in the last ten years. The state experiences more than
850,000 cloud-to-ground lightning flashes per year /over
15 lightning flashes per square mile/.

...Some Lightning Safety Rules...

Remember, it is lightning that causes thunder. If you can hear
thunder, you are in danger from lightning. When thunder roars, go
indoors. The safest place is a fully-enclosed building that is
grounded. A hard-top car is also a safe location. Keep the windows
rolled up and do not touch metal inside the vehicle.

Do not take shelter in small sheds, pavilions, or tents, or under
trees. Stay away from higher elevations spots such as hilltops, and
avoid nearby poles and towers.

Move away from chain-link fences and other metal fences such as
those around ballparks and playgrounds.

Motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, and farm tractors are not safe
places.

If you are in the water, get out immediately. If you are in a
boat, head toward safe harbor.

Organizers of events/activities are advised to designate a
weather watcher. Assign an official who will stop the
events/activities when lightning becomes imminent. Have
specific evacuation instructions in place so people know
where to go.

Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity, so do
not use electrical appliances or corded phones. Computers and
other expensive electronic equipment may be damaged by power
surges. You may consider unplugging these items.

Stay out of the bathtub or shower.

Get off the golf course.

&&

For a list of all the tornadoes and other significant weather
events that occurred in 2018...

https://www.weather.gov/media/lzk/StormsOf2018.pdf

$$

46
---
* Synchronet * The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net - Little Rock, Arkansas
* Origin: capitolcityonline.net * Telnet/SSH:2022/HTTP (1:2320/105)

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Little Rock AR
600 AM CST Wed Feb 27 2019

...Todays Topic for Severe Weather Awareness Week is Tornadoes...

The National Weather Service, in cooperation with the Arkansas
Department of Emergency Management, has proclaimed the week of
February 24th through March 2nd as Severe Weather Awareness Week
in Arkansas.

A different topic will be discussed each day, and todays topic
is tornadoes.

In 2018, 34 tornadoes were counted in Arkansas. In an average
year, 33 tornadoes are expected in the state.

The peak seasons for tornadoes are spring and fall. This is when
warm and cold air masses collide most often. In 2018, the busiest
month was April with 13 tornadoes counted.

The strongest tornado of 2018 /rated EF2 and maximum winds around
120 mph/ tracked almost 12 miles from near Rudy to southeast of
Chester /both in Crawford County/ on April 13th.

There were no high end /at least EF4/ tornadoes documented. The
last one of these cut a 41 mile swath through Pulaski, Faulkner,
and White Counties on April 27th of 2014. This tornado killed
16 people.

Monster tornadoes like this are rare. From 2000 through 2018,
only two other tornadoes were rated as high as the one on April
27th. During this ninteen year time frame, 739 tornadoes were
spawned locally, and 83 percent of them /614 tornadoes/ were
weak /rated EF0 or EF1/. These weak twisters accounted for only
3 fatalities.

...Outdoor Tornado Sirens...

Many towns and counties in Arkansas have acquired outdoor
warning sirens to alert the public when tornadoes threaten. When
these sirens are kept in proper working order, they do their job
as expected and help warn the public.

While Tornado Warnings often cause the sirens to blow, the
National Weather Service does not have any control over the
sirens.

In Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Pulaski County, the
National Weather Service has an advisory role as to when the
sirens should be sounded, but this does not prevent these
jurisdictions from blowing their sirens if they deem it necessary.
Elsewhere in Arkansas, the decision to blow the sirens is made
by designated city or county officials.

...What You Can Do to Protect Yourself - Tornado Safety Rules...

One of the newer safety rules is to avoid taking shelter under a
highway overpass. Rotating winds surrounding a tornado can hit
you with a lot of debris, and blow you out from beneath the
bridge.

Be sure you know the difference between a watch and a warning.
The National Weather Service issues a Tornado Watch when tornadoes
are possible. A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado has been
indicated on Doppler Weather Radar or has been sighted.

Counties and cities are mentioned in Tornado Warnings. If you are
new to the area, keep a map handy for reference.

Make sure that you have a reliable way to receive weather
information. Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radios are an excellent
way to keep up with the weather, even if your power has gone out.

If you are going to be at a large gathering, such as at a school,
stadium or place of worship, make sure that someone is keeping an
eye on the weather.

A tornado shelter, tornado cellar, or a safe room is the safest
place to be, but these are not found in most homes. The next
safest place is usually a basement, but these are not common in
Arkansas. If you do not have any of these, go to an interior room
on the lowest floor of a house or building. Put as many walls
between you and the outdoors as possible.

Many businesses, such as large stores, shopping malls, hospitals,
nursing homes, and schools have pre-arranged safety plans and
designated safe areas. If you are in one of these places, follow
the instructions given inside these buildings.

If you are in a vehicle, your best option is to move to a sturdy
building.

Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection during
a tornado, and should be abandoned.

Keep in mind that the elderly, the very young, and people with
physical or mental challenges will often need more time to get
to safety. Make special provisions if you are a care-giver for
these people.

&&

For a list of all the tornadoes and other significant weather
events that occurred in 2018...

https://www.weather.gov/media/lzk/StormsOf2018.pdf

$$

46
---
* Synchronet * The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net - Little Rock, Arkansas
* Origin: capitolcityonline.net * Telnet/SSH:2022/HTTP (1:2320/105)

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Little Rock AR
600 AM CST Thu Feb 28 2019

...Todays Topic for Severe Weather Awareness Week is
Severe Thunderstorms...

The National Weather Service, in cooperation with the Arkansas
Department of Emergency Management, has proclaimed the week of
February 24th through March 2nd as Severe Weather Awareness Week
in Arkansas.

A different topic will be discussed each day, and todays topic is
Severe Thunderstorms.

At any given moment around the world, approximately 1800
thunderstorms are occurring. Although thunderstorms are relatively
small, when considered on a global scale of weather, all
thunderstorms are dangerous. Lightning, flash floods, hail,
straight-line winds, and tornadoes all result from thunderstorms.

A thunderstorm is considered severe when it produces winds of at
least 58 mph, hail at least 1 inch in diameter /the size of a
quarter/, and/or a tornado.

Hail forms in storm clouds where the air is subfreezing. Updrafts
which feed storm clouds drive raindrops skyward, and liquid turns
to ice. Quite often, hailstones will fall through the cloud,
collect water, and updrafts will force them aloft. The stones
refreeze and get larger.

In 2017, one of the big days for hail was March 10th. Initially,
stones were as large as golf balls and hen eggs between Little Rock
/Pulaski County/ and Fort Smith /Sebastian County/. In southeast
sections of the state, hail reached baseball to almost softball
size at White Hall and Pine Bluff /both in Jefferson County/.
There were 31 reports of large hail /quarter size or larger/.
This was one of only 28 events with at least 25 instances of
large hail since 1980.

Large hail, on average, causes over one billion dollars in damage
/property and crops/ in the United States each year. Some injuries
due to large hail occur in this country each year, but deaths from
hail are relatively rare. Animals fare far worse than humans.

When updrafts are overcome by rain and hail in storms, air from
aloft can descend in a hurry. When these downdrafts hit the ground
and spread out in all directions, damaging straight-line wind gusts
sometimes result.

In 2018, gusts reached 90 mph at the Shady Lake Recreation Area
/Polk County/ on April 13th, between Colt and Forrest City /both
in St. Francis County/ on June 2nd, and from Whitener to Clifty
/both in Madison County/ on November 30th. Altogether, there were
over two dozen instances of thunderstorm gusts of at least 70 mph.

Occasionally, thunderstorms spawn tornadoes. Most of these are
produced in the spring and fall during the afternoon and evening.
There are 33 tornadoes in a typical year. There were 34 tornadoes
locally in 2018, and these resulted in no fatalities.

Two other hazards associated with thunderstorms are lightning and
flash floods. However, these are not considered severe.

Whenever thunder is heard, there is lightning nearby. Lightning is
deadly, especially in the summer when people are outdoors.

Flash floods are another thunderstorm hazard. Vehicles driven into
flooded areas result in the greatest number of flash flood deaths.

Across the country, the top three deadliest thunderstorm hazards
in the last 30 years years were flash floods, tornadoes, and
lightning /in that order/.

...Some Severe Weather Safety Rules...

Know the difference between a watch and a warning. The National
Weather Service issues watches when conditions are favorable for
the development of severe weather. Warnings are reserved for cases
where severe weather is imminent or occurring.

If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning is issued
for your area, do not hesitate to find a place of safety. If a
safe room is not available, the next best location is the lowest
floor of a permanant structure in an interior room away from
windows. Put as many walls between you and the outdoors as you
can.

Make sure that you have a source to receive the latest
information, such as NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, commercial
radio, TV stations or cable TV. Other sources of warning
information can include telephone notification services to
which people subscribe, pagers and cell phones.

&&

For a list of all the tornadoes and other significant weather
events that occurred in 2018...

https://www.weather.gov/media/lzk/StormsOf2018.pdf

$$

46
---
* Synchronet * The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net - Little Rock, Arkansas
* Origin: capitolcityonline.net * Telnet/SSH:2022/HTTP (1:2320/105)

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Little Rock AR
600 AM CST Fri Mar 01 2019

...Todays Topic for Severe Weather Awareness Week is Watches
and Warnings...

The National Weather Service, in cooperation with the Arkansas
Department of Emergency Management, has proclaimed the week of
February 24th through March 2nd as Severe Weather Awareness Week
in Arkansas.

A different topic will be discussed each day, and todays topic
is watches and warnings.

Surrounding an event featuring severe thunderstorms, watches
and warnings are issued to help you prepare for the elements.

Severe thunderstorms produce damaging straight-line wind gusts
of 58 mph or greater, quarter size hail or larger, and/or
tornadoes.

When conditions are favorable for severe storms, a watch is
issued by the Storm Prediction Center /SPC/ in Norman, Oklahoma.
SPC is a part of the National Weather Service.

Watches often encompass a large area, sometimes several states,
and are valid for roughly six hours.

When storms develop and are classified as severe, warnings are
issued by your local National Weather Service office.

Warnings are posted for one or more counties and are valid for
an hour or less.

With a watch in place, severe storms might happen. When
warnings are in place, severe storms are happening.

...Watch and Warning Rules to Follow...

You should be ready to go to a safe place when a watch is in
effect. Monitor conditions for several hours or until the
watch expires or is cancelled.

You should go to your safe place when a warning is in effect.
Stay put until storms pass and/or the warning expires or is
cancelled.

The safest place to be is a safe room or a basement. If these
are not available, go to an interior room on the lowest floor
of a house or building. Put as many walls between you and the
outdoors as possible.

&&

For a list of all the tornadoes and other significant weather
events that occurred in 2018...

https://www.weather.gov/media/lzk/StormsOf2018.pdf

$$

46
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* Synchronet * The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net - Little Rock, Arkansas
* Origin: capitolcityonline.net * Telnet/SSH:2022/HTTP (1:2320/105)

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Little Rock AR
600 AM CST Sat Mar 02 2018

...Todays Topic for Severe Weather Awareness Week is Social
Media Communication...

The National Weather Service, in cooperation with the Arkansas
Department of Emergency Management, has proclaimed the week of
February 24th through March 2nd as Severe Weather Awareness Week
in Arkansas.

A different topic will be discussed each day, and todays topic
is Social Media Communication.

It is no secret that Arkansas gets its share of deadly weather
episodes. We remember the destructive tornadoes that tracked from
Arkadelphia to Little Rock in March of 1997. Then there was the
Super Tuesday twister that cut a 122 mile swath through seven
counties in February of 2008. Five years ago, a monster
tornado tore through Mayflower and Vilonia in April of 2014.

The devastation in the wake of these episodes reminds us of how
important it is to be prepared for volatile conditions. While
you cannot stop storms from developing, you can try to figure
out what to do before severe weather arrives. It is about being
proactive instead of reactive. This can be accomplished through
social media.

Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter are
powerful tools used by the National Weather Service to spread
the word about an upcoming high impact weather event, or to
continuously update people of how an event is unfolding. It is
a great way to retrieve reports from the public via photos and
videos. This can help forecasters determine exactly what is
happening, and provide more effective warnings for people
upstream of the reports.

Even when it is quiet, social media is used daily to raise
awareness of life-threatening weather, and for distribution of
forecast and climate information, education, and outreach.

You can follow the National Weather Service in Little Rock
online at the following addresses...

via Facebook...facebook.com/NWSLittleRock
via Twitter...twitter.com/NWSLittleRock

&&

For a list of all the tornadoes and other significant weather
events that occurred in 2018...

https://www.weather.gov/media/lzk/StormsOf2018.pdf

$$

46
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* Synchronet * The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net - Little Rock, Arkansas
* Origin: capitolcityonline.net * Telnet/SSH:2022/HTTP (1:2320/105)