logo
Preparing for Fall with NWS
news image
Special Stories
3 Sep 2020 10:14 AM
As we look to temperatures taking a tumble during the first half of September, it's an important reminder of what is ahead of us this season. Meteorologists track the seasons in groupings of three months. Because these months share common temperature and precipitation characteristics, it becomes much easier to calculate seasonal statistics from the monthly statistics. This is useful for agriculture, commerce, and other applications. Meteorological Fall encompasses September, October and November. To help people get prepared for the hazards that are climatologically likely to strike, the National Weather Service launches their seasonal safety campaigns.  The theme of this year's Fall Safety Campaign, beginning September 1, is, "Small Decisions Can Have a Big Impact." Especially when it comes to the following weather phenomenon:
  • DROUGHT
  • FLOODS
  • FOG
  • HURRICANES
  • TSUNAMIS
  • WILDFIRE
  • WIND
  • WINTER WEATHER
To learn more about how to stay safe and prepare ourselves for Fall, we spoke with Michelle Mead, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at NWS Sacramento. Their County Warning Area has many microclimates that experience several of the different threats above. Watch the full interview below, or follow them on Facebook and Twitter for frequent safety updates. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW1lSvNGbm4&t=168s

DENSE FOG

Dense fog can quickly and unexpectedly reduce visibility to a quarter mile or less. If you find yourself on the road during a dense fog event, the small decisions you choose to make could end up saving your life. Small decisions like slowing down, not using cruise control, and delaying travel until conditions improve can make a big impact...or save you from one.

HURRICANES

Some hurricane preparations, such as strengthening your home, can be significant efforts. But there are also small decisions that, if made, could save your life. Small decisions like keeping your gas tank full, looking up your evacuation zone, or having a long extension cord for your generator, can end up making a big impact when the storm hits.

WILDFIRES

There are aspects of wildfire preparation, like using fire-resistant landscaping around your home, that aren’t possible for everyone. But there are also small, potentially life-saving decisions, that anyone can make. Small decisions like not burning brush during dry conditions, and clearing brush away from your home, can make a big impact in not only your life...but in the lives of those around you.

FLOODING

Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles, and it only takes 12 inches of water to sweep a car away. Sometimes the difference between life and death are small decisions. Small decisions like turning around and not driving through a flooded roadway, not driving around barricades, and delaying travel until conditions improve, can make a big impact on whether you keep your car...or even your life. Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

WINTER WEATHER

Sometimes, late fall snow storms can be deadlier than expected. The small decisions you make when encountering even light snow can save your life, especially when it comes to being behind the wheel. Small decisions like choosing to stay off the road if possible, or slowing down, and increasing the distance between vehicles, could end up having a big impact. Want to get involved? Click here for more information on how you can help build a Weather Ready Nation. Credit: NWS
All Weather News
Windy & Severe Storms Hit the Northeast Saturday
Windy & Severe Storms Hit the Northeast Saturday
A potent area of low pressure that produced n
1 Apr 2023 12:20 PM
Saturday Features a Few Storms in the Southeast
Saturday Features a Few Storms in the Southeast
The same front that brought widespread storms
1 Apr 2023 12:15 PM
Severe Weather Threat Continues in the Deep South Overnight
Severe Weather Threat Continues in the Deep South Overnight
Already we have had multiple CONFIRMED tornad
1 Apr 2023 4:35 AM
Numerous Tornadoes in the Midwest - Threat Continues Overnight
Numerous Tornadoes in the Midwest - Threat Continues Overnight
A tornado watch continues overnight for parts
1 Apr 2023 4:30 AM
Blizzard Conditions, Ice and Snow for High Plains
Blizzard Conditions, Ice and Snow for High Plains
The same system that is producing severe weat
1 Apr 2023 1:30 AM
High Fire Danger Today
High Fire Danger Today
Strong winds and dry air have combined once a
31 Mar 2023 10:00 PM
Looking Ahead: Yet Another Coast to Coast Storm First Week of April
Looking Ahead: Yet Another Coast to Coast Storm First Week of April
Yet another coast-to-coast storm is expected
31 Mar 2023 9:50 PM