How to Survive A Florida Thunderstorm
and other strange weather phenomena
Florida thunderstorms, or any thunderstorm for that matter, are serious
business. There is one simple rule to remember:
Central Florida is known as the Lightning Capital of the World,
and for a very good reason. During the summer, we have severe thunderstorms
daily. They usually pass very quickly but they can catch you by surprise if you
are not paying attention. So pay attention!!!
If you are any where near water, get indoors quickly, even if it
seems that the storm is still very far away. Lightning can strike from as far
away as 30+ miles so it is better to be safe than sorry. Do not take shelter
under a tree or other tall object. Indoors is your best bet, away from windows.
If you are golfing, head for the clubhouse. You wanted a cool drink anyway.
To protect yourself and to be prepared, find out exactly where
you are. Weather bulletins are issued by county so ask when you check into your
hotel for your exact location. North? South? East? West? You get the idea. Ask
if they are expecting any unusual weather during your stay. Ask about the best
local source of weather information.
Headlights on When it's Raining
It's the Law
Our rainstorms often come in deluges, making driving difficult,
even for the locals who know their way around. Sometimes it rains so hard, you
can't see the hood of your own vehicle, let alone someone else's. To improve
visibility, it is the law in Florida that you turn your "low beam"
headlights on when it rains. This improves everyone's chances of being seen. If
it is raining too hard for you to drive safely, pull of the road completely, NOT
onto a shoulder but into a parking lot, store, etc. But watch out for flooding.
Some lots flood quickly. Look for a local and follow them. Leave plenty of room
between you and the next vehicle to avoid being a victim of "Florida
Ice"
What is "Florida Ice"?
Florida Ice is very dangerous. It occurs after a rainstorm, even
a light drizzle is sufficient. Oil and other fluids that are dripped from cars,
buses, etc are baked into the surface of the roads by the intense heat during
the day. When it rains, these fluids rise to the surface, making the roads
extremely slippery and very dangerous. The longer between rains the worse the
condition.
What's the Difference Between a Watch and A Warning?
Often people are confused by the terms "watch" and
"warning" when it comes to weather broadcasts. Generally, a watch
means conditions are favorable for the development of the condition mentioned. A
warning means that severe weather has occurred and you should take immediate
action to protect yourself and others. When in doubt, treat it like a warning.
And remember, it can often take several minutes for a warning to be issued when
severe weather strikes and you may be the first to experience that weather. So
once again, pay attention.
For more weather related information, check out the Weather
Channel
