Storm warning and alert options

Right: Plan to stay near safe shelter this afternoon, since severe weather is forecast. (Image posted to Flickr by Artondra Hall)

The National Weather Service is warning of severe thunderstorms in our region this afternoon.

The wind is already picking up outside. So by the time you read this, it probably won’t be any surprise. But you may not be aware of the severity, including potential for hail.

[Note: The hail possibilty must be low for our town, since I just realized that the updated forecast I copied didn’t include it!]

The worst of it appears to be forecast to take place by 4:00 pm. Though, it looks to continue to be unpleasant through the evening.

What a way for the kids coming off early buses to start their summer breaks!

From the NWS site, here’s our town’s forecast:

Today
Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 4pm. Some storms could be severe, with large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain. High near 85. South wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight
A chance of showers before 8pm. The rain could be heavy at times. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 61. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Yesterday, Southborough Emergency Management’s Neil Aspesi shared an alert on this that I missed. It included:

Southborough is close to the “Highest Threat” area. Where this line will set-up will be based on the amount of sun and humidity we receive tomorrow morning/afternoon. If we get lots of sun and high humidity expect our threat level to increase. Any plans for outdoor activities should plan accordingly. It is recommended to cancel all activities well before 2:00pm, if anyone plans to “take a chance” before the storms are due to arrive PLEASE have an established “safe shelter” evacuation plan (trees are not a safe area).

I’m sure this won’t be the only big storm we get this summer. So you may want to heed another message from Aspesi. He shared much better ways of getting alerts than reading my blog! 

With the enhancements in technology (specifically smart phones) receiving emergency messages/warnings/alerts (of all kinds/types) in real time has become much easier.

There are several systems out there. Below are three systems that SEMA recommends all citizens/businesses sign-up for (Mass Alerts & one of the others). With each of them you can choose the types and levels of alerts you want to received and the method of delivery. We STRONGLY recommend you set up what you want and don’t to receive, otherwise you will get inundated – you can always change settings at any time.

Here are the three he shared:

• Massachusetts Alerts: All types/kinds of alerts sent out by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
• iNWS: Weather only alerts sent out by the National Weather Service
• iALERTS: Weather only alerts sent out by a 3rd Party, based on NWS & Others Forecast

The good news is the next few days look pleasant!

Updated (6/23/15 11:39 am): Inserted note