Risks & preparedness: Nocturnal severe weather

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

Strong storms during the day already carry many dangers with large hail, flooding rains, and even tornadoes. But imagine taking all those hazards and just flipping from day to night!

Nocturnal storms bring an added risk after the Sun sets. Let’s take a look at what you can expect and how you can prepare.

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. Your cell phone already provides an alert when a severe thunderstorm or tornado is approaching your location. 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.

Are your alerts switched "on" in the app but you still aren't receiving the notifications? Never fear! There is an extra phone setting you may have to check. First, make sure your phone is up to date with the latest system.

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.

The notification can also help you make safe and well-informed decisions. If you live in a manufactured or mobile home, a strong storm or tornado can pose a higher risk. When strong storms are forecast for your area, especially at night, have a plan to sleep in a safer location if you can.

Nocturnal thunderstorms can pose many risks, but you and your family can be prepared. Stay up to date on the situation from local meteorologists and through our WeatherRadar, helping to track the storms and even the lightning within them.