Don’t forget to pack your kayak… Image: Flickr
Extreme Weather On The Road
Traveling from one side of the country to the other can provide for tricky and extreme weather conditions that you may not be familiar with. Chances are you’ll have researched the weather of the place you’re visiting, but are you prepared for the unexpected? While you may attempt to prepare for a change in climate, there are some weather conditions that are difficult to prepare for ahead of time. Here is what you need to know about anticipating extreme weather while traveling.
Hurricanes
Hurricane season typically begins on May 15th and ends November 30th, but that doesn’t mean they don’t happen in the winter (they do!). Regions susceptible to hurricanes include the U.S. Atlantic Seaboard, Caribbean Sea islands and coasts, Pacific Sea Islands and coasts, the Gulf of Mexico coasts and very occasionally the coast of Southern California. Resulting damage is caused by high winds, mudslides, flooding, and heavy rain. A category 3 or higher is considered a major hurricane. If traveling during hurricane season, it is important to monitor local radio and National Hurricane Center. Listen for evacuation plans and do take them seriously. Oftentimes, deaths occur in these situations when local residents do not abide by the evacuation warnings.
Tornadoes
While tornadoes can move from any direction, they typically appear from west to east or southwest to northeast. Additionally, they have the ability to backtrack an already taken path causing much more damage than that which occurred during its initial hit. In order for a funnel to be classified as a tornado it must make contact with both the ground and the cloud base. Similarly, a waterspout is a tornado over water and has the potential to overturn boats and damage large ships. Waterspouts have the ability to hit land and injury those nearby. If you aren’t familiar with the sound of an oncoming tornado, listen for a loud rumble which sounds like an incoming train. Pay attention to those around you, who are used to this and know what to do. Take cover at the lowest point of the building or a safe room (a room surrounded by concrete or steel) and away from any windows. If you are in a vehicle at the time of a tornadoes arrival, abandon the vehicle and find a nearby building for safety.
Blizzards
A blizzard is a snow storm with winds above 35 miles per hour which typically lasts longer than 3 hours. A storm of this nature can shut down towns for days leaving people cooped up inside their homes. Blizzards are happening earlier in the fall and later in the spring than ever before, so keep this in mind if you travel where it snows. Should a blizzard come your way while traveling, be prepared to hunker down somewhere you are comfortable and will have time available to stay for days should you get stuck. Don’t get stuck in an office building or car. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and try to keep clothes dry to avoid hyperthermia. Lastly, keep blankets close by for added warmth; it is possible for electricity to go out.
Flooding
Floods easily occur after a large downpour of rain and aren’t always connected to a high risk storm. Areas that have recently been in a fire are at greater risk of flooding because the landscape is altered. Flash flooding is a concern almost everywhere. If you are stuck in a situation where flooding is occurring, remember to go to the highest point of the building. Having a backup plan (perhaps a gym bag with alternate clothes) is a smart plan anywhere.
When traveling abroad it is a good idea to register with the State Department’s travel registration website. This will allow you to enter information pertaining to your trip and your whereabouts. Should an emergency occur, the U.S. Embassy has the ability to get ahold of you to check on your status and prepare you for what’s to come. Chances are good you won’t have electricity to charge your phone, even if the cell networks are still working and family and friends (and colleagues) will worry.
Always stay one step ahead and remain informed at all times. The Weather channel provides a phone app which sends emergency alerts based on the weather in your current area. Start with following this link which shows states that currently have active severe weather alerts. When you are aware, you have the availability to prepare accordingly and stay safe.