Athens County EMA has previously hosted storm spotter trainings and weather safety talks recently. If you were unable to attend, check out this page for more information! If you would like to become a trained storm spotter with the NWS in Charleston, WV, check out their webpage below. The page will list any upcoming virtual or in-person classes. You can also watch the videos and take the quiz online and become a spotter that way!
Want to learn more about Basic Meteorology and how we forecast? Check out the Basic Meteorology Page on the Scalia website below!
Warm Season Hazards
The National Weather Service issues severe weather outlooks up to 8 days in advance. These outlooks start with a general non-severe thunderstorm risk, and then uses a 5-level probability scale based on how widespread and severe storms are expected to be. These outlooks can be found by clicking the button below!
Weather watches are issued several hours in advance by the National Weather Service when the atmosphere has ingredients for storms, but storms are not currently occurring. Have a plan for how to take shelter in case a warning is issued for your location.
A warning is issued when a severe storm is actively occurring. When a warning is issued for your area, take shelter and follow any other safety instructions listed in the warning!
This is the basic severe thunderstorm criteria. Take shelter if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued for your location and be aware of any flying debris or hail.
This is an upgrade to a standard severe thunderstorm warning that is issued by the NWS when the criteria above is met by an active severe thunderstorm. Be aware that winds at these speeds can cause damage comparable to a weak tornado!
This is the highest warning level a severe thunderstorm can have. Destructive severe thunderstorms should be taken as seriously as a tornado! This type of warning will also cause a wireless emergency alert to be issued to any cell phone within the warning. These storms are potentially very dangerous, so head to a sturdy structure or your tornado safe place if a destructive warning is issued!
A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has either been detected on radar, or has been reported to the NWS by a trained storm spotter or EMA official. If there is a confirmed tornado on the ground headed to a populated area, the NWS may issue a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) tornado warning. If there is a confirmed tornado on the ground causing catastrophic damage, and/or it is headed towards a major population, then the NWS will issue a tornado emergency. PDS tornado warnings, and especially tornado emergencies, should be taken very seriously and if you are not already in your storm shelter or another safe place such as a basement or interior room with no windows, then you need to take shelter immediately. If you are in a mobile home or vehicle, you need to find a sturdy structure to take shelter in. If a sturdy structure is not available, lie down flat in a ditch. Do not stay in your vehicle or mobile home.
This can be issued up to 72 hours in advance if ingredients for flooding are present. These ingredients could include: excessive rainfall, saturated ground, pour drainage, etc.
This is issued when active flooding is imminent or occurring. Usually occurs over a longer period of time than a flash flood.
A flash flood warning is issued when there is a rapid rise in water vs a flood warning which is issued when there is a general threat of rising water over several hours. Flash floods can occur as quickly as several minutes and can last for several hours. A flash flood emergency is issued by the NWS when extreme rainfall has caused a flash flood that is particularly dangerous.
The most deadly severe weather threat for Athens County is flooding. Areas at most risk are valleys and other low-lying areas, anywhere along a river or stream, or in areas with poor drainage. Most flood deaths are associated with people attempting to drive through floods. It only takes 6 inches of water to sweep a grown adult off of their feet, and only 1 foot of water to sweep a vehicle away. Roads are also at risk of being washed away suddenly by flood waters, which is why it is strongly recommended to turn around and never attempt to drive through any flood waters.
Want to find out if you are located in a flood zone? Click on this button to the right!
A heat advisory will be issued by the NWS when the forecasted heat increases the risk for heat-related illnesses. It is advised to exercise caution. While not as extreme as an Extreme Heat Warning, an advisory can still cause hazardous impacts to human health; especially to the more vulnerable community.
Typically issued up to 72 hours in advance when extreme heat is imminent in the short-term forecast. Make sure to be prepared and reschedule any outdoor activities.
This is typically issued at least 24 hours in advance when extreme heat is expected to be dangerous to human health. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are more at risk when outdoors for long periods of time.
If there is extreme heat expected, it is advised to take the necessary precautions ahead of time. This means limit times outdoors and stay inside under air conditioning. If air conditioning is unavailable, make sure to turn on all fans, close all windows and doors, and keep interior doors open to circulate the air within the household. If you have to be outdoors such as for construction or any sporting events, make sure to stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade, wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, and apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater. Those more vulnerable or susceptible to extreme heat include the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, children, and people with chronic illnesses and/or taking any medication such as SSRIs that are more susceptible to heat. Make sure to check on relatives and neighbors if a heat wave is impacting your area.
This is issued at least 72 hours in advance when conditions are favorable for fire weather to occur. Such conditions include hot and dry air, gusty winds, dry vegetation, and dry thunderstorms with lightning being the main hazard to spark a fire.
This is issued at least 24 hours in advance when fire weather is imminent or occurring. If a Red Flag Warning is issued, fire burning is banned as it could cause fire to spread rapidly within a region as conditions are favorable for ignition and spread.
Cold Season Hazards
Snowfall of 4-6" or more in 12 hours or 6-8" or more in 24 hours, depending on the location OR
sleet accumulation of 1/2" or more in 24 hours.
The NWS will issue a Winter Storm Watch up to 24 hours in advance in which snow, sleet, or ice is possible. This means that you should be prepared and stay updated with emergency managers and law enforcement in case a snow emergency is issued.
A Winter Weather Advisory would be issued next if wintry weather is expected that can impact travel and should take the necessary precautions as there could be deteriorating conditions.
A Winter Storm Warning could be issued in advance if hazardous wintry weather is imminent or occurring. Confidence is very high that a winter storm with heavy precipitation can occur.
*Disclaimer: This criteria is only for this region and can vary from office to office.
A blizzard is imminent or occurring with the following conditions:
Sustained wind or frequent gusts of 35 mph or higher AND
visibility less than 1/4 mile in snow and/or blowing snow for 3 hours or longer.
*Disclaimer: A blizzard does not mean there will be a lot of heavy snowfall.
Damaging ice accumulations of 1/4" or more!
Ice storms typically occur when freezing rain is imminent and can cause hazardous travel impacts, power outages, etc. if accumulations reach warning criteria.
Snow squalls reducing the visibility to 1/4 mile or less in snow with sub-freezing ambient road temperatures OR
Plunging temperatures behind an arctic front sufficient to produce flash freezes, along with a significant reduction in visibility from falling and/or blowing snow.
*Disclaimer: This used to be called a Wind Chill Watch.
Is issued when dangerously cold air with or without wind is possible.
*Disclaimer: This used to be called a Wind Chill Warning.
Is issued when dangerously cold air, with or without wind is expected.
An Extreme Cold Watch or Warning is issued with temperature/wind chills at or below the thresholds below:
Winter Weather can create hazardous impacts on health, travel, and infrastructure. It is important to keep up to date with any road emergencies, power outages, and local watches and warnings as cold-related illnesses like hypothermia and frostbite are more likely; especially in extreme cold.
Road Snow Emergencies
The County Sheriff may declare a snow emergency for the county when needed. There are three levels of snow emergencies:
Level One- roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow.
Level Two- roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be on the roadways.
Level Three- all roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel.
Travel Safety
Keep up to date for any road closures or road snow emergencies. Make sure to keep at least one vehicle length ahead of you. If there is any ice or snow, do not speed and slow down. Do not slam on brakes as that can make you slide off the road or lose control. For more travel safety information, refer to the graphics below!
In Case of Power Outages
If power were to go out; which is especially common during ice storms, make sure to have an emergency preparedness kit. This can include extra clothing, warm blankets, non-perishable food, first aid kit, and phone chargers to keep up to date with Wireless Emergency Alerts.
Extreme Cold Safety
Cases like hypothermia and frost bite become more problematic; especially when skin is exposed for long periods of time in extreme cold. Make sure to bundle up and cover up as much skin as possible when outdoors for long periods of time. Make sure to take breaks if working outdoors in heating. It is best to wear mittens and hats and extra socks as toes, fingers, ears, etc. are more prone to frost bite. It is okay to wear multiple layers; especially in bitter cold during cold air outbreaks.
In case of any inclement weather such as severe weather or winter weather, it is important to have an emergency supply kit handy to be prepared if the worst were to arise. These emergency kits should last at least up to three days with the following items listed on the image. If you are stuck in your vehicle during winter weather, it is also advised to have a safety kit on hand.
Local Weather Information and Forecasts
Want to know your local weather forecast? Check out your local NWS office AND/OR The Scalia Laboratory for Atmospheric Analysis by clicking the images above.