LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Weather reports show that Hurricane Harvey has developed into a
category 2 hurricane and is expected to become a category 3 and make landfall
along the south central Texas coastline near Corpus Christie. Areas along and east
of the I-35, including San Antonio, can expect widespread flooding. In efforts
to ensure the safety of the base community, Laughlin residences are highly encouraged
to avoid driving near and around these areas. The Del Rio area can expect peak
wind gusts more than 40 mph and potential bands of heavy rainfall.
Whenever severe storms approach, wing officials are committed to
providing up-to-date information on resources to assist in keeping service
members and their families informed.
“Our
people are our greatest assets,” said Col. Michelle Pryor, 47th
Flying Training Wing vice commander. “Whenever weather events like this have
the potential to affect our base we immediately began reviewing ways to ensure
the safety of our Airmen - military and civilian - and their families.”
Hurricane Harvey has eyeballed the Texas coastline
since leaving the Yucatan peninsula, it has strengthened from a tropical
depression into a major hurricane in just a few days.
Understanding
storm types
A tropical storm is an organized system of strong thunderstorms
with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph
(34-63 knots).
A hurricane is an intense tropical weather system of strong
thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained
winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher.
Hurricanes not only bring severe lightning, heavy rainfall, and
a potential threat of a storm surge. These storm qualities are all determined
by the storms category.
- Category 1: Winds of 74-95 mph; minimal damage; 4-5 foot storm
surge
- Category 2: Winds of 96-111 mph; extensive damage; 6-8 foot
storm surge
- Category 3: Winds of 111-129 mph; devastating damage; 9-12
foot storm surge
- Category 4: Winds of 130-156 mph; catastrophic damage; 13-18
foot storm surge
- Category 5: Winds in excess of 157 mph; catastrophic damage;
18 foot or higher storm surge
The
National Weather service and the National Oceanographic Atmospheric
Administration monitors these types of serve weather systems on a
minute-by-minute basis. They release weather warnings to the general populace
making sure everyone is properly informed.
As
an added bonus, thunderstorms from severe tropical systems can also spawn
tornados.
Thunderstorm watch vs. Thunderstorm warning
A
severe thunderstorm watch means be prepared. A severe thunderstorm warning
means take action. If there is a severe thunderstorm watch, stay informed and
be ready to act, because severe thunderstorms are possible. If there is a
severe thunderstorm warning, take shelter in a strong building, and get out of
mobile homes that can blow over in high winds.
Emergency preparation
In preparation for the weekend Laughlin leadership urges residents
develop and finalize preparations to ensure weather and safety kits are ready
to go for potential power outages:
- Bottles/gallons of water
- Non-perishable foods
- Battery powered or hand crank radio
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Tools or mini tool kit
- Updated recall roster
“It’s important to have an emergency kit that’s specifically
tailored to the needs of your family.” Pryor said. “We are unable to know
exactly what will happen when severe weather strikes, but your kit should be
carefully created and designed to meet the basic needs of your family during
any possible weather situation.”
Currently, Laughlin is still operating under normal business
hours. However, in the event the weather changes course the installation’s
Facebook will serve as the official site for release of updated information. If
internet connections are no longer working the installation does operate a
severe weather information hotline, which can be accessed by calling (830) 298-5201.
For further details and information on weather changes visit the
following websites:
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/thunderstorm/
http://beready.af.mil
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/thunderstorm/after.shtml