South Carolina emergency officials are encouraging residents to review their preparedness plans during the state’s annual severe weather safety Week.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division says the annual event is designed to raise awareness about the risks associated with extreme weather such as thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding, which are common during the spring and summer months.
Officials say one of the most common areas of confusion during a severe weather event is knowing the difference between watches, warnings and advisories.
According to the National Weather Service, a warning is issued when hazardous weather is imminent or is already occurring.
Within the warned zone, weather conditions pose a threat to lives and property, and all protective plans should be implemented.
By contrast, a watch means that conditions are favorable for significant weather to develop over the next several hours.
The goal of a watch is to give the public enough lead time to review their safety plans and take immediate precautions before weather conditions deteriorate.
A third category of alerts that are commonly issued are known as advisories.
Advisories are issued when potentially hazardous weather will be occurring or is already happening, but the expected impacts are less severe than those associated with warnings.
Across South Carolina, some of the most common alerts issued during the warm weather season include Severe Thunderstorm Watches and Warnings, Tornado Watches and Warnings and Flood Watches and Warnings.
Each type of alert has a specific meteorological criteria which triggers its issuance.
For example, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued by NWS forecasters when a storm is producing wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour or hail measuring at least one inch in diameter.
These warnings are typically limited to a relatively small area and are in place for less than one hour
Watches, on the other hand, cover a much larger area and are often in place for several hours.
During hurricane season, residents may also see additional types of watches and warnings issued as tropical storms or hurricanes approach the coastline.
These alerts can include Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings, Hurricane Watches and Warnings and Storm Surge Watches and Warnings.
Each alert carries a different meaning depending on the arrival of conditions and the expected impacts from the tropical system.
By ensuring you have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, identifying a safe place to shelter during severe weather and having the necessary supplies on hand, you can enhance your state of preparedness for any extreme weather event.
