Rumors of potential budget cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in 2025 have sparked concerns among meteorologists, storm chasers, and scientists. While some remain silent, many within the weather community are voicing their worries about the potential impacts. Why is NOAA essential? NOAA is the foundation of our nation’s weather enterprise. They … Read more
With Hurricane Milton headed towards Tampa Bay and Florida residents now is the time to start putting up shutters. With a hurricane currently swirling towards Florida, it’s a good reminder for everyone in hurricane-prone areas to brush up on their preparedness plans. One crucial step? Knowing when to install your hurricane shutters. Whether you’re a … Read more
Hurricane season starts on June 1st and runs through November 30. This time frame was created based on long-term statistics, but hurricanes can certainly occur outside of this range. In January 2016, for example, Hurricane Alex became the strongest Atlantic hurricane to occur during the northern hemispheric winter. So, irrespective of the date, take some … Read more
Climate change is a reality, and its effects on weather patterns are becoming increasingly apparent. Scientists warn that severe storms, including tornadoes, hurricanes, and intense thunderstorms, are likely to become more frequent and destructive. Waiting to prepare your home and family for these events is a dangerous gamble. The time to build a safe room, … Read more
When severe weather threatens, knowing where to seek shelter saves lives. The safest place depends on the type of storm. For thunderstorms, staying inside your home is usually best. Avoid activities like showering or using wired electronics, as lightning and flash flooding pose risks. Tornadoes, however, demand the most secure shelter possible. In Oklahoma City, … Read more
Knowing where to find designated public shelters ahead of a severe storm is essential, especially if your home doesn’t offer sufficient protection. These shelters are often located in schools, community centers, or other reinforced buildings. Don’t wait until the last minute to seek this vital information. Start by checking your local government’s website or emergency … Read more
As the winter months approach, many people with chronic pain experience a worsening of their symptoms. Science offers some explanations for this phenomenon. One reason is the decrease in blood flow that occurs when your body tries to conserve heat in cold weather. This reduced blood flow to joints and muscles can lead to stiffness … Read more
We recently reviewed ways to receive hazardous weather alerts via NOAA Weather Radio and were reminded by recent catastrophic flooding in Louisiana that it does not take a named storm system to cause catastrophic destruction (life and property). Now, we want to help you review ways to help you prepare for the next tropical event, … Read more
The standard homeowners insurance policy in the United States does not cover damages from flooding caused by rains, hurricanes, and storms that are common in many parts of the country. Flooding can cause property damages worth hundreds and thousands of dollars, so every American homeowner should know about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The … Read more
We simply can’t over stress the importance of disaster preparation. This includes having a stockpile of non-perishable foods, water, first aid supplies, backup battery power, and a reliable means of receiving accurate, critical information. A good way to start an emergency preparedness kit is to have a NOAA Weather Radio (NOAA; National Oceanic and Atmospheric … Read more