SW Weather: Today’s Forecast and Severe Alerts

SW Weather Guide: How to Prepare for Storm Season

Preparing for storm season reduces stress, keeps your family safe, and minimizes property damage. This guide gives practical, step-by-step actions to take before, during, and after storms using SW Weather forecasts and common-sense preparedness.

1. Before Storm Season: plan and prep

1. Create an emergency plan: Pick safe rooms, establish communication methods (text first), and decide meeting points if separated. Assign responsibilities (pet care, elderly assistance).
2. Assemble a disaster kit: At minimum include water (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days), nonperishable food (3 days), flashlight, extra batteries, first-aid kit, prescription meds (7 days), multi-tool, masks, and phone power bank.
3. Prepare important documents: Store digital copies of IDs, insurance, medical records, and property deeds in a password-protected cloud folder and keep photocopies in a waterproof container.
4. Harden your property: Trim trees and loose branches, clean gutters, secure outdoor furniture, and inspect the roof for loose shingles. Install storm shutters or board windows if needed.
5. Know your utilities: Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electricity. Mark shutoff valves and keep necessary tools accessible.
6. Insurance review: Check coverage limits and deductibles for wind, flood, and hail. Take dated photos or video of valuables for claims.

2. Monitoring with SW Weather

1. Set alerts: Enable push notifications for severe-weather warnings and local watches in the SW Weather app or site. Prioritize tornado, flash-flood, and hurricane alerts.
2. Understand watches vs. warnings: A watch means conditions are favorable; a warning means imminent danger—act immediately.
3. Use radar and forecast tools: Monitor live radar for storm tracks, hourly forecasts for timing, and expected rainfall totals. Pay attention to wind-gust and storm-relative velocity data if available.

3. 72–24 Hours Before Expected Storm

1. Top up supplies: Replenish water, fuel for generators/vehicles, and medications. Charge electronics and portable batteries.
2. Protect vehicles: Move cars to higher ground or a garage; remove valuables and close windows.
3. Secure property: Bring in patio furniture, secure trash cans, and anchor sheds. Close and lock windows and doors; install storm shutters if possible.
4. Plan evacuation if needed: Know local evacuation routes, shelter locations, and pet-friendly options. Fill vehicle fuel tanks and have a “go bag” ready.

4. During the Storm

1. Follow official instructions: Evacuate for mandatory orders. If sheltering, stay in an interior room away from windows and doors.
2. Keep tuned to SW Weather updates: Watch live radar and follow any emergency messages. Re-check warnings and the storm’s path.
3. Safety basics: Avoid using corded phones and electrical appliances during lightning. If flooding occurs, move to higher floors—avoid driving into floodwater.
4. Generator safety: Run generators outdoors at least 20 feet from windows, and never connect directly to home wiring without a transfer switch.

5. After the Storm

1. Ensure safety first: Watch for downed power lines, gas leaks, and unstable structures. If you smell gas, evacuate and notify authorities.
2. Document damage: Photograph all damage before cleanup for insurance claims. Keep receipts for repairs and temporary housing.
3. Avoid floodwater: It can be contaminated and hide hazards. Return home only when authorities say it’s safe.
4. Report outages and hazards: Use utilities’ outage maps and report hazards to local emergency services.

6. Special Considerations

• People with disabilities or medical needs: Coordinate with local emergency managers for assistance and ensure specialized medical supplies and backup power are available.
• Pets: Include pet food, medications, leashes, carriers, and vaccination records in your emergency kit. Know local pet-friendly shelters.
• Flood-prone homes: Consider flood barriers, elevating utilities, and purchasing flood insurance (typically has a 30-day waiting period).

Quick Checklist (Actionable)

• Emergency plan and contact list ✔
• 7–14 day medication supply and 3-day basic kit ✔
• Digital copies of vital documents ✔
• Home maintenance: trim trees, secure roof/gutters ✔
• SW Weather alerts enabled and tested ✔
• Evacuation route and go bag ready ✔

Preparing early and staying informed with SW Weather reduces risk and speeds recovery. Follow this guide before, during, and after storms to protect people, pets, and property.