At WeatherNation, we're committed to educating and informing our viewers of all of the threats severe weather can bring. Each day we'll highlight different aspects of severe thunderstorms and what you need to know to stay safe. On March 1, the National Weather Service initiates their campaign to prepare us for all of the hazards the Spring season can bring. This year's focus is finding your "Safe Place."

TORNADOES

MONDAY MARCH 1, 2021

We are kicking things off by telling you everything you need to know about tornadoes and tornado safety. John Van Pelt details different ways to stay safe when a Tornado Watch or Warning is issued. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-chfprRaPvI   Tornadoes are rated by the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Meteorologist Devon Lucie explains how the National Weather Service determines these ratings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMGRr6rhAzk   Meteorologist Joe Astolfi highlights the safest places to be during a tornado warning. https://youtu.be/YwveXavh9eI   Landspouts may be small, but they can pack a big punch. Meteorologist Steve Glazier explains. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHvhtvwnGUk   Waterspouts are usually weak and quick, but can still be a major threat to coastal areas. Learn more about what they are and how to stay safe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwSSQkAPCko   There is a common misconception that tornadoes don't hit urban areas. The last few years have proved otherwise. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpGMpLfO_vY  

HAIL AND WIND

TUESDAY MARCH 2, 2021

Three things qualify a thunderstorm as severe. Yesterday, we talked about tornadoes. Today, we will focus on damaging winds and large hail. 2020 saw devastating derechos across the country. Let's take a look back at what they are and the destruction they caused. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thvRaNQIafk   How is hail measured? We break it down for you and show what everyday objects correspond with a certain hail size. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=by6N3i_ff6s   When we talk about a severe threat of damaging, straight line winds, here's what you need you know with Meteorologist Meredith Garofalo. https://youtu.be/ey-032W0t3c   Hail can be the costliest part of thunderstorm damage. Meteorologist Ben Reppert breaks it down by the numbers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdjdWZTTycM   Meteorologist Karissa Klos explains what it takes for hail stones to form and grow within a thunderstorm. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFIqCkjwJzk   Derechos can cause widespread damage across hundreds of square miles. Find out more about this damaging phenomenon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPIx3AbQhwI   What causes wind? It's a simple question, with a scientific answer. Let's break down how and why the wind blows. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62CjMA_UR0s  

THUNDERSTORMS

WEDNESDAY MARCH 3, 2021

Whether general or severe, thunderstorms can pose a threat to life and property. We are highlighting all facets of this powerful spring phenomenon. Thunderstorms can manifest in several different ways. Let's take a look at a few of the most common types. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J0gduwvm-U   John Van Pelt walks us through the basics of lightning safety while debunking some common lightning myths along the way. https://youtu.be/dCXmPOpbO94   When severe weather threatens, it's important to understand the different alerts. Meteorologist Steve Glazier breaks down the difference between a WATCH and a WARNING. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZAKC9Tfgfs   When severe weather strikes, it's important to be prepared. John Van Pelt helps get you ready. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9106r1HDl2k&t=30s   Think lightning won't strike the same place twice? Think again! Meteorologist Rob Bradley sets the record straight on misconceptions about lightning. https://youtu.be/CM_CNbkpyRg  

FLOODING

THURSDAY MARCH 4, 2021

In addition to hail, wind and tornadoes, flooding often accompanies spring thunderstorms. Get your home and family ready now, before flooding strikes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xepGZ1A1UpU   River flooding, areal flooding, and flash flooding: different types of one of the deadliest natural disasters in the United States. Meteorologist Meredith Garofalo explains the difference between the three. https://youtu.be/_upIh4fCMxs   Flooding isn't just about rising water. Meteorologist Steve Glazier tells us about the various dangers that flood waters can bring. https://youtu.be/2Id8FGi5w8g   Flooding is the second biggest weather related killer in the U.S. John Van Pelt highlights ways to stay safe during heavy rain and flooding events. https://youtu.be/f1SmTiBMw9U   Do you know why rain rates play an important role in forecasting flash flooding? Meteorologist Meredith Garofalo explains. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_FeD-eO1dA  

FORECASTING SEVERE STORMS

FRIDAY MARCH 5, 2021

We are giving you some insight on how we forecast for severe weather. La Niña was a major player in the record breaking hurricane season. Now, it looks like spring of 2021 could see a severe weather boost from the ENSO forecast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5mn8yt6pWA   Learn more about a common severe weather set-up: the dryline. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HPISjUcjeg   The Storm Prediction Center issued various threat levels in advance of severe weather around the country. Learn more about each threat level and what it means when your area is placed in the risk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJRsFJcdVvY   Meteorologist Steve Glazier explains where and when severe storms are most likely during spring. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozSGfrAllEA   Shear, lift, instability and moisture. SLIM is a helpful acronym to remember what storms need to develop. Meteorologist Karissa Klos breaks down the details. https://youtu.be/FvxmoR9PguQ   Dew point and relative humidity are closely related but have different implications in forecasting severe weather and your daily life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spBAhiS4Z1w

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND PREPARATION

SATURDAY MARCH 6, 2021

Nocturnal severe thunderstorms present a unique, and elevated danger. Meteorologist Meredith Garofalo explains. https://youtu.be/_1E7aTHO6nQ   There are many things you can do to help your family get ready for severe weather season. Meteorologist Patrick Crawford walks us through a helpful checklist for Severe Weather Awareness Week. https://youtu.be/ZmrTp0p0Fik   In severe weather situations, having multiple ways to get watch and warning information can mean the difference between life and death. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc7Uxl9-3d4   In this week's special edition of "Building a Weather-Ready Nation," John Van Pelt talks with Doug Hilderbrand about what it means to be a "Force of Nature." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ_MJVnGa74