Risks & preparedness: Nocturnal severe weather

Nocturnal thunderstorms add extra dangers on top of the already dangerous weather and being prepared is important.

Nocturnal storms can be just as potent as daytime storms. However, the storms happening at night pose a larger threat – lowered visibility. This is true not only when we are asleep but also if we are traveling during the time when these nighttime storms hit.

Oftentimes, when storms produce tornadoes, someone seeing and reporting the tornado helps to spread the word to get those in danger out of the storm’s path. When it’s dark the only way to see a tornado is if lightning brightens up the sky. How can we mitigate this issue?

There is a way around this! It is important to have a way to receive warnings, even when you are asleep or traveling. Keep your notification volume turned up to hear it. Pay attention to your area’s forecast and keep your devices charged.

Additionally, a NOAA weather radar is an excellent tool to have since warnings will come through the radio alerting you to take action.

Having our weather alerts turned “on” in your app can help you stay prepared. When you receive the severe weather notification, be sure to review your emergency plan with your family before severe weather hits so that you can be prepared.

Android users: On your device, go to "Settings" and find "Apps." Scroll until you find the Weather&Radar app and click on it. Open the "Notifications" and switch "Allow Weather&Radar notifications" or "Show notifications" to on. Some users may have the extra step of opening "Notification categories" and making sure they are all toggled on.

Track storms in our city in our interactive WeatherMap

iOS users: On your device, go to "Settings" then click on "Notifications." Scroll to find the Weather&Radar app and click on it. The first option once you click is "Allow notifications." Toggle this to on and you should be all set.