Lee Erwin reporting
lerwin@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – February 16- 22 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Tennessee and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) along with the National Weather Service (NWS) are recognizing the hazardous weather threats posed to lives and property in the state.
Tom Johnstone, NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist talked about the severe weather that affects our area. “We face a myriad of hazards in terms of severe weather across the mid-south which has been the focal point for violent and strong tornadoes over the last 15 years. We’ve had a lot of killer tornadoes and Tennessee is just one of a handful of states where tornadoes are the number one weather killer,” said Johnstone.
Johnstone added that the middle and west parts of Tennessee as well as western Kentucky also leads the nation in night time Tornadoes and with that higher concentration of thunderstorms at night it creates a challenge to make folks aware of tornadoes when they strike.
Flooding is another serious weather hazard and Johnstone said that nationwide flooding is the number one thunderstorm related weather killer. Tennessee is also in the in the top ten states in lightning fatalities and Johnstone said all thunderstorms produce lightning and everyone should be aware of the danger.
Everyone is aware of tornadoes but damaging straight-line winds are also a very serious problem and many people are becoming aware of the weather term, derecho. Derecho is used to describe long lasting intense straight-line winds which can affect a large area and cause severe damage.
Finally, Johnstone emphasized the importance of everyone having a weather radio in their home. “A weather radio is the cornerstone of the weather prepardness toolbox. We call a weather radio the smoke detector for weather, Johnstone said.
Remember, when severe weather strikes, coverage begins with the 5-Star Radio Storm Team on Q-108, Beaver 100.3 FM, Z 97.5, Rewind 94.3 and ESPN Clarksville at 100.7 FM and 540 AM.. Also, “Like” your favorite station and Clarksvillenow.com on facebook or follow on twitter for up to the date weather alerts and information on your smart phone.