Mesquite Residents are at risk from severe thunderstorms throughout the year, but the risk increases significantly in the spring months, especially from early April to sometime in June. According to the National Weather Service, "The United States has the most active weather in the world, and the Southern Region is the most active weather region in the U.S., with over half of all reported severe weather events." The primary reason for this increased risk is the location of the components needed to make a thunderstorm. The southern region of the United States gets warm air and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. This region also gets unstable air that is created by either low level air heating up or high level air cooling down. Often, the Texas sun does a fine job heating up the lower levels of air which explains afternoon storms. North Texas can expect that thunderstorms will occur on approximately 30 to 50 days per year.
Thunderstorms are actually small when compared with the overall geography. Most average storms are no larger than 15 miles in diameter and will last only around 30 minutes. In fact, the National Weather Service only classifies about 10% of the approximately 100,000 annual storms in the United States as severe. The Frequently Asked Weather Questions section explains the criteria needed to classify a storm as severe.
Thunderstorm Dangers
There are numerous hazards in thunderstorms that are capable of causing harm and it is important to know what those hazards are and what the best way is to protect yourself and your family. Lightning is present in every thunderstorm and it injures about 300 people and kills less than 100 people per year. Lightning is more closely associated with the millions of dollars in damage it does by starting fires. Thunderstorms are usually capable of producing straight-line winds. These winds can exceed speeds of more than 100 miles per hour and are capable of producing damage similar to tornadoes. Straight-line winds are extremely dangerous to aviation. Hail often accompanies thunderstorms. Each hailstone is literally a water droplet that never drops in the form of rain. They are carried in the updraft to a height in the storm where freezing occurs. Once frozen, the cyclical process begins and the ice particle will continue to rise and fall, growing each time, until the strength of the storm can no longer support it and it falls to earth. Some large hailstones will fall at speeds faster than 100 mph. The most violent hazard potentially resulting from thunderstorms are tornadoes. These storms can have wind speeds in excess 200 mph and cause millions of dollars in damage. People in automobiles and mobile homes are most vulnerable to a tornado.
Staying Safe
About 10% of storms are actually classified as severe, but that is no reason to assume that dangerous lightning, wind, hail, or tornadoes will never hurt you or your family. The plan is to be ready for the worst but hope that nothing ever happens. The following actions will improve your family's preparedness.
Know Your Risk
The average number of stormy days for any year is 30 -50. Most storms are not severe and just because there is hail does not automatically indicate the presence of a tornado. Being ready for the possibility of a severe storm with a tornado will keep you safe.
Deaths and injuries from tornadoes have dropped dramatically in the past 50 years. Casualties are holding steady as scientists learn more about tornadoes and develop the technologies that detect them sooner. Forecasters must continue to improve techniques because the population is increasing. The National Weather Service, Storm Prediction Center, and television and radio weather people have taken full advantage of the advancements in tornado prediction to improve warnings.
Know What It Takes To Be Alert
One of the most important things you can do to prevent being injured is to be alert to the onset of severe weather. Most deaths and injuries happen to people who are unaware and uninformed. Young children or the mentally challenged may not recognize a dangerous situation. The ill, elderly, or invalid may not be able to reach shelter in time. Those who ignore the weather because of indifference or overconfidence may not perceive the danger.
Know what is going on outside and make a timely decision to move away from exterior walls and windows. Generally, the following conditions are indicative of a severe storm:
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A sickly greenish or greenish-black color to the sky.
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If there is a watch or warning posted, then the fall of hail should be considered as a real danger sign.
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A strange quiet that occurs within or shortly after the thunderstorm.
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The sound of thunder or flashes of lightning is a danger sign.
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Clouds moving by very fast, especially in a rotating pattern or converging toward one area of the sky.
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A sound like a waterfall or rushing air, but turning into a roar as it comes closer. The sound of a tornado has been likened to that of both railroad trains and jets.
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Debris dropping from the sky.
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A squared cloud lower than the rest of the storm often referred to as a wall cloud.
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An obvious "funnel-shaped" cloud that is rotating, or debris such as branches or leaves being pulled upwards.
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Early reports from other cities in the storm path.
Know How And Where To Get Information
In the City of Mesquite, we utilize several warning methods. The methods are good for any disaster. Please visit the watches and warnings page to learn how to receive news or instructions.
Lessen the effects of hazardous conditions before the storms
Know where the shut-off valves of all of your appliances are located. When electrical storms are predicted for your area, you'll need to take action quickly. Shutting down electrical appliances will help protect you from the danger of an electrical surge and/or fire. Make sure all capable family members know how to shut off your major appliances. Depending on the severity of the storm, you may or may not want to shut down the refrigerator. Make up a list of room assignments that clearly defines who will turn off each major appliance. Have a back-up plan in place (make sure everyone knows how to shut everything off) in case one of your family members is not home when a storm strikes. Also make sure that everyone knows how to switch off your home's main gas and electrical sources in the event of a major storm or other natural disaster.
Keep all flammable substances -- gasoline, household cleaning agents, paint or other potentially volatile materials -- far away from your water heater, ovens, stoves, and other gas appliances.
If you are planning to build a pool or spa in your back yard, make sure it is not being constructed on top of underground electrical lines. Do not assume your pool/spa construction company has taken that precaution.
If there are any trees on your property or neighbors' property located dangerously close to power lines or leaning over the house structure, you might want to trim those limbs. A tree limb is very heavy and could do great damage if broken in a storm. For trimming around the power lines, you might consider calling TXU Electric Services for assistance.
Know How To Shelter For Severe Storms
There are many ways to shelter yourself and your family from a storm. Please refer to the sheltering page for more informatio
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact The City of Mesquite Fire Department, Office of Emergency Management for more information about emergency preparedness.
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