Be Prepared
El Niño Severe Winter Weather
 |
With a strong El Niño weather pattern this year, the National Weather Service predicts an increased chance of severe weather in Florida over the winter with the threat of powerful thunderstorms, flooding, cold temperatures and tornadoes.
What is El Niño?
The name El Niño was originally given by fishermen off the west coast of South America to the warm current that appeared every year around Christmas. It is Spanish for “The Child” and — is the name climate scientists use for the occasional periods of warming in the Pacific Ocean that create havoc for global weather patterns. El Niño is known to intensify winter storms across the southern United States.
|
|
|
El Niño Impact / Dangers:
- Rain - Above-average heavy rainfall is forecast in Florida, southern California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.
- Flooding – Frequent heavy rains can cause major flooding in low-lying areas.
- Tornadoes - El Niño’s can cause more frequent and intense tornado activity and these tornadoes can form quickly during thunderstorms. During the deadly 1998 El Niño season, an outbreak of 12 tornadoes killed 42 people and injured 259 across Central Florida. Most tornado-related deaths happened overnight, between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., while people were sleeping.
- Cold weather - El Niño can bring colder than normal winters even in southwest Florida. High winds or abnormally heavy electrical demand can also cause power outages that would worsen cold weather impacts.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Storm Prediction Center will issue a Severe Weather Outlook at 3 p.m. or 8 p.m. when there is a 10 percent or greater probability of significant overnight tornadoes. Unlike hurricanes warnings, which are typically issued 36 hours before the storm makes landfall, the average warning time when a tornado touches down is only 12 minutes!
 |
- The best warning system for tornadoes is a NOAA Weather Alert Radio or mobile Weather Emergency Alerts.
NOAA Weather Alert Radio:
NOAA broadcasts continuous emergency weather information from offices around the country. When a warning is issued, these radios will emit a loud tone that will awaken you to take protective cover. This device is a small investment to protect you and your family and is available at drug stores, home improvement stores and other large retailers.
Emergency Alert Options:
- National Mobile Weather Emergency Alerts:
NOAA and other private vendors also offer weather alert apps available for smart phones that send out similar alert tones. Many cell phones are also equipped with the Weather Emergency Alert system, which sends weather service alerts to your phone when there’s an imminent threat to your safety. Contact your cell service provider to see if your phone is equipped. For more information on the mobile alert options, visit: NOAA Wireless Emergency Alerts or National Weather Service - Alert Services. - Alert Pinellas:
Pinellas County’s Emergency Notification Service is a free program that allows us to send an automated message to your phone when there’s an emergency in your area. All you have to do is register your contact information and sign up for “weather alerts.” To sign up, visit Alert Pinellas. - Stay Connected:
Pinellas County provides emergency notifications and safety information through multiple channels. Stay in touch during an emergency.
Safety Tips:
- Tornado safety information- Detailed information about how to prepare your family for an unexpected storm.
- Emergency flood safety information - Find out if your home is at risk for flood and educate yourself on the impact a flood could have on you and your family.
Flood Insurance Information:
Heavy rain and flooding can happen any time of year. Make sure you’ve got adequate insurance coverage and prepare your home for flood waters. Learn more about flooding.
Sandbags:
Sandbags are made available by the county and municipalities at certain times of emergencies. They are also available at local home improvement stores. Updates about sandbag availability will be provided during an emergency. For more information, visit sandbags.
Cold Weather Preparation:
How to prepare:
- Keep adequate cold weather clothing and blankets on hand.
- Create a disaster supply kit in case of a power outage.
- If you use a generator, make sure to operate it in a well-ventilated outdoor location and make sure exhaust fumes do not enter your home. Store fuel outside of living areas.
- Exercise caution when using portable heaters or candles in your home.
Portable Heater Safety Tips:
- Never operate a heater you suspect is damaged; inspect heater, cord and plug before use.
- Never leave a heater operating while unattended or sleeping.
- Never place a heater near flammable material such as beds, sofas, clothes and curtains.
- Never run the heater cord under rugs or carpet and keep the unit away from water.
- Never plug the heater into an extension cord or power strip.
Pinellas County Emergency Operations Center
Department of Emergency Management
(727) 464-3800
During an emergency activation call the
Citizen Information Center at (727) 464-4333.
Home 
| Weather | Privacy | Disclaimer | Webmaster
Not responsible for translated content