Weather Hazards                                            

Winter Weather 

Create an emergency supply kit for your vehicle. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothing, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Make sure to keep a full tank of gas. 

Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person's specific needs, including medication. Remember the needs of your pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights, and have a portable phone charger if possible! 

Winter Storm Warning

Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin. 

Winter Storm Watch

Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a winter storm.

Winter Weather Advisory

Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.

cold weather

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage because of storm surge, wind damage, and flooding. They can happen along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Storm surge is historically the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States. 

How Can You Prepare for a Hurricane?

  • Know Your Hurricane Risk
  • Make An Emergency Plan
  • Know Your Evacuation Zone
  • Recognize Warning And Alerts
  • Get Tech Ready
  • Gather Supplies

Stay Informed and Safe During a Hurricane:

Flooding

Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death.

Floods may:

  • Result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges and overflows of dams and other water systems.
  • Develop slowly or quickly. Flash floods can come with no warning.
  • Cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings and create landslides.

IF YOU ARE UNDER A FLOOD WARNING, FIND SHELTER RIGHT AWAY

  • Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
    • Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
  • Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.
    • Depending on the type of flooding:
      • Evacuate if told to do so.
      • Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
      • Stay where you are.

For more information on flooding click here.

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

Hurricane Season: June 1 - November 30

Each year, many coastal communities experience heavy rains, strong winds, floods and coastal storm surges from tropical storms and hurricanes. A hurricane’s high winds may spawn tornadoes. Torrential rains cause further damage by causing floods and landslides, which not only threaten coastal communities but may impact communities many miles inland. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak occurring between mid-August and late October.

No matter which region of the Commonwealth you live in, a hurricane or tropical storm can impact you and your family. Prepare BEFORE the storm hits by building an emergency kit and reviewing the Disaster Preparedness.

Tornadoes

Know the Terms

  • Tornado Watch: A tornado is possible in your area. You should monitor weather-alert radios and local radio and TV stations for information.
  • Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted in the area or has been indicated by National Weather Service Doppler radar. When a warning is issued, take cover immediately.

Create a plan

  • Decide where you will go in case of a tornado warning. Include an emergency meeting place for your family.
  • Pick a safe room in your home:
    • If an underground shelter is not available, go into a windowless interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
    • If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.
    • Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris.
    • Storm cellars or basements give the best protection
    • A vehicle, trailer or mobile home does not provide good protection. Go to a nearby sturdy building, or lie down in a ditch away from your home, covering your head with your hands. Mobile homes are extremely unsafe during tornadoes.

If You Are Away from Home

Take These Steps:

  • Cars and trucks: Get out of your vehicle and try to find shelter inside a sturdy building. A culvert or ditch can provide shelter if a substantial building is not nearby. Lie down flat and cover your head with your hands. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
  • Open buildings (shopping mall, gym or civic center): Try to get into a restroom or interior hallway. If there is no time, get up against something that will support or deflect falling debris. Protect your head by covering it with your arms.

Lightning & Thunderstorms

If you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning.

Know the Terms

  • Severe Thunderstorm Watch: large hail, winds 58 mph or greater or a tornado are possible in your area in the next 3 to 6 hours.
  • Severe Thunderstorm Warning: large hail, winds 58 mph or greater or a tornado are happening in your area or are about to happen.

30 / 30 Rule

Use the 30 / 30 rule:

  • If the time between the flash of lightning and the sound of thunder is 30 seconds or less, then lightning is close enough to strike you. Go inside immediately.
  • Wait inside until 30 minutes have passed since the last flash of lightning.

Create a Plan

  • If a thunderstorm is likely in your area, go indoors and use the 30 / 30 rule.
  • Listen to local TV or radio for weather watches and warnings.
  • Plumbing, bathroom fixtures and corded telephones can conduct electricity and cause serious injury.
  • Secure outdoor items that could blow away.
  • Unplug computers or television sets to prevent power surges.


Middle Peninsula All Hazards Mitigation Plan 2016 (PDF)

Middle Peninsula All Hazards Mitigation Plan 2016

Disaster Preparedness Guide 2017

Beehive cover with a storm as seen from space.