Preparing for Severe Weather

Part of the beauty of New England is its winter snow. Some of these storms bring wind, heavy snow downfall, or even white-out conditions. Not every snowfall is a "Winter Storm", but when a storm receives this moniker it means that special preparation is necessary. Much less frequently the Weather Service will label a storm a blizzard, distinguished by high winds and white-out conditions.

• Emergency Response Guide: Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
• Power Outage Tips
• National Weather Service - Winter Storms, A Preparedness Guide

The afternoons of hot, humid summer months are the most likely time of year for severe thunderstorms to develop. These are more than just thunder and flashes of light, featuring destructive winds, damaging hail, and dangerous lightning. Occasionally a severe thunderstorm might spawn tornadoes, though this is relatively infrequent in the New England area when compared to the midwest states.

• American Red Cross Severe Thunderstorm information
• National Weather Service Severe Thunderstorm Safety

Every year from May to November coastal residents are paying attention to an alphabetical series of named storms in the Atlantic that could signal a huge, powerful storm headed in their direction. Fortunately, hurricanes move slowly and typically provide several days or more for preparation before landfall.

• National Hurricane Center Tropical Prediction Center
• Ready.gov Hurricane Information
• Hurricane Planning Checklist