meteorology

1. MACKENZEE PRATT - SCI137 STUDENT PRESENTATION
extreme weather

2. MACKENZEE PRATT - SCI137 STUDENT PRESENTATION
extreme weather
Nature can be unpredictable and
dangerous, especially when dealing with
extreme weather conditions. Although
we may not be able to always predict
when it will occur, we can understand
the causes of the conditions, educate
ourselves about dangers, and make
preparations in advance.

3. MACKENZEE PRATT - SCI137 STUDENT PRESENTATION
extreme weather
In this presentation we will cover the following weather conditions that are commonly
experienced in the mid-west and ways to prepare for them:
extreme heat
extreme winter weather
tornadoes

4. Extreme heatWhat is
?
We experience extreme heat when temperatures
reach extremely high levels, or when the
combination of heat and humidity causes the air
to become stifling.1
Extreme heat can manifest through either
sweltering humidity or a period of excessive
dryness.1
Both humidity and dryness can cause the air
quality to lessen and the effects of the heat to
be more severe.1
See slide 15 for source information.

5. Extreme heat
The
dangers of

Extreme heat can lead to other dangerous weather
conditions, like dust storms and drought.2

Extreme heat can cause rises in body temperature. If
body temperatures become too high, the brain and other
organs can be damaged.2

Extreme heat can provoke symptoms of preexisting
conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. 2
See slide 15 for source information.

6. Extreme heatPlanning for
Drink plenty of fluids. If you wait until you're thirsty, you're already
dehydrated.
Avoid consuming alcohol, large amounts of sugar, and hot
foods. These things can cause your temperatures to rise or your body to lose fluids
more quickly.
Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Choosing
lightweight, lightly colored, loose fitting clothing can help to keep you from
overheating. Wear hats and apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) frequently.
Stay indoors. Remain indoors, if possible, in an air-conditioned or a cool,
well-ventilated area. If you must go outside, limit your activities to morning and
evening hours.
Remember your pets! Your pets will require the same amenities as you do during
the heat. Remember to provide them access to plenty of water and keep them inside during
mid-day hours. 2
See slide 15 for source information.

7. Extreme Winter Weather
What is
?
Extreme winter weather is characterized by low
temperatures, high winds, and precipitation.
Storms are typically caused by warm and
cool air colliding, and creating fast-moving
pressure systems. When these systems mix
with moisture and cold air, you get a winter
storm.
The types of precipitation you will see during a winter storm are:
snow (flurries, squalls, blowing snow, blizzard), sleet, and freezing
rain.3
See slide 15 for source information.

8. Extreme Winter Weather
The dangers of
?
Frostbite is common and serious effect of severe cold and winter
weather. Simply put, frostbite is tissue damage that can cause
numbness and discoloration.
Hypothermia is another serious effect of too much exposure to
winter weather. It is a condition caused by body heat being lost at a
rate higher than it can be produced. The warning signs of
Hypothermia include shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred
speech and exhaustion.
Wind chill can play a major role in driving down body temperatures when skin is left exposed. It can
speed up the loss of body heat and increase chances of frostbite and hypothermia.
Overexertion, from tasks like snow shoveling, are a risk because the combination of cold
and sweating can speed up the process of other health issues, including heart failure and
hypothermia. 3
See slide 15 for source information.

9. Extreme Winter Weather
Planning for
If frostbite is suspected, seek medical help. Slowly rewarm areas if help is not
immediately available.
To detect hypothermia, take the persons temperature. If below 95°, seek
immediate medical help. 3
Stay dry and keep your skin covered. This includes your face and hands.
Wear layers so that they can be easily removed when you start to sweat. Sweating can lead
to chill.
Be sure to eat and drink regularly. Digestion will naturally help increase body
temperature and dehydrating can adversely affect your body temperature. Do not eat snow,
as it will also decrease your body temperature.
Stay inside. Keep the area warm and dry. If heat is unavailable, close off unneeded
rooms, stuff towels under doors, and cover the windows. If you use alternative heat (fireplace,
stove, space heater), be sure to following instructions carefully, use fire safeguards, and
properly ventilate the area.
See slide 15 for source information.

10. tornadoWhat is a
?
A tornado is a massive column of wind, spiraling around
a center of low atmospheric pressure (a downward flow
of cold air meeting an upward flow of warm air). They
are usually formed during thunderstorms.
A tornado looks very much like a funnel and creates a
vacuum that can suck up nearly anything it moves over.
Wind speeds can reach up to 500 miles an hour within the
twister.
Tornadoes usually only last for minutes, but are
destructive enough to destroy many square miles during
that time. 4
See slide 15 for source information.

11. tornadoThe dangers of a
The dangers of a tornado range from minor wind
damage to complete structural damage and loss of life.
Survivors of tornadoes commonly are faced with
homelessness, loss of crops and other supplies, and
contaminated water.5
Finding adequate shelter in limited amounts of time is one of the
most challenging issues people must overcome when faced with
storms capable of producing tornadoes.
Tornado warnings/watches will only provide enough time
to seek shelter in close proximity in most cases.6
See slide 15 for source information.

12. tornadoes.Planning for
Prepare a small internal room or basement as a shelter. In the
event, stay away from windows and use mattresses and blankets as protection.
Keep emergency kits in your home and vehicle at all
times. These kits should include a two day supply of water and food for each member of
your household, a first aid kit, and a radio (with batteries). You should also keep copies of all of
your important documents in the kit.
Make sure that you and your family understand your local
emergency notification and evacuation plans. Practice makes
perfect!5
See slide 15 for source information.

13. tornado.
In the event of a
In the event of a tornado warning/watch, move to an interior
room or basement. Stay away from windows and use mattresses and blankets
as protection.
Stay calm and focus. Do not rush and run around. Make yourself a quick, mental
to-do list and check off each item as you move towards your shelter. If you keep the
appearance of calm, people around you will feel more secure and focused as well. Panic can
often lead to injury and the forgetting of important steps in preparations.
After any major disaster, do not use matches or utilities until
the area has been secured. There could be gas leaks or other pressure build-up
from the damage. 5
Do not stay in your car during a tornado. Cars are heavy and
are more likely to be picked up by a tornado. You should find an area that will assist you
in avoiding debris, and make yourself as small and light as you can.
See slide 15 for source information.

14. suggestions
Emergency Kit
FEMA suggest the following for a basic emergency kit:

Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and
sanitation

Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries for
both

Flashlight and extra batteries

First aid kit

Whistle to signal for help

Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-
place

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Manual can opener for food

Local maps

Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger 7
See slide 15 for source information.

15. sources
1. Extreme Heat. Extreme Heat (or Heat Wave).The Weather Channel. February 5, 2009.
http://www.weather.com/outlook/wxready/articles/id-7
2. Beware the Dangers of Extreme Heat. Pinellas County Health Department.
http://www.pinellashealth.com/headline/Beware_the_Dangers_of_Extreme_Heat.pdf
3. All About Winter Storms: What Are Winter Storms?. NOAA & the American Red Cross. November 1991.
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/wntrstm.htm
4. Tornadoes: What is a Tornado?. Tornadoes.
http://library.thinkquest.org/C003603/english/tornadoes/whatisatornado.shtml
5. Tornadoes: What is a Tornado?. Oracle ThinkQuest.
http://library.thinkquest.org/5818/tornadoes.html
6. Frequently Asked Questions: About Tornadoes. NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory
http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/faq/faq_tor.php
7. Build a Kit: Basic Disaster Supplies Kit. FEMA
http://www.ready.gov/basic-disaster-supplies-kit