Interpreting Different Weather Alerts and Advisories | SERVPRO of Bartow County

8/3/2022 (Permalink)

If you suspect any damage to your home from a recent storm, call SERVPRO of Bartow County.

There are many different forms of severe weather across the United States. In fact, there are so many potential scenarios that there are at least 42 different kinds of weather alerts that could be issued at any given time!

When those warnings and alerts are issued in our area, you should understand what they mean and how to react to each scenario. While it could be useful to understand all of the commonly issued alerts, it is most important to understand the ones that directly affect us in Bartow County.

Forecasting and Alerts

Have you ever wondered how weather alerts are issued to begin with? Forecasts are simply a prediction, after all. Forecasters have several factors that come into play when determining the severity, location and length of a given weather situation.

The National Weather Service is the major organization responsible for creating weather forecasts and implementing all of the corresponding alerts for each area of the country. To help keep it more localized, there are six offices around the country responsible for specific areas. The Southern Region located in Fort Worth, Texas is the office responsible for our forecasting here in Bartow County.

The staff at the NWS rely on satellite radar, sensors and seismic activity meters to research and create each forecast. With the understanding that weather can vary and sometimes Mother Nature is unpredictable, they attempt to be as precise and accurate as possible.

The Importance of Watches and Warnings

Everyone in our area should understand the distinction between a watch and a warning. These two terms are pretty universal across all weather alerts.

A watch should prompt you to begin preparing for a severe storm because the incoming storm has the potential to produce dangerous elements.

When a warning is issued, on the other hand, you should seek immediate shelter because the incoming storm has proven to be dangerous. Warnings usually issued for a much smaller area than watches are.

Safeguard Your Home From the Storm

The No. 1 goal during weather watches and warnings is to keep yourself and your family safe. However, if you have advanced notice of any incoming weather, you can take a couple of additional steps to help protect your home from lasting damage as well.

Clearing your gutters and securing your outdoor furniture are two tasks you can do quickly that will help minimize water or structural damage to your home. You should also take the time to review your emergency plan and add any necessities to your emergency kit.

When the storm passes, take photos of any damage you may find and then give us a call at SERVPRO of Bartow County. We will answer your call 24⁄7, and we will jump right in to help you develop your full restoration plan.

The more you know about northern Georgia’s weather, the safer you can be. Take the time to understand the local weather risks and the alerts associated with them, and you will be ready to tackle any storm that comes our way.

Experienced storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today for a quick response!