It’s Severe Weather Awareness Week: Make sure you know where your “safe places” are during these severe weather threats

As spring weather season begins, we want to remind you of where the safest places are to ride out these stormy possibilities:

Lightning

safe place - lightning

Lightning strikes the U.S. 25 million times a year, which sometimes results in death or permanent injury. You are safest indoors, or inside a hard-topped enclosed vehicle. Stay Weather-Ready and learn more about lightning safety at weather.gov/safety/lightning.

Extreme Wind

safe place - high winds

During high winds, tree damage is expected, and loose objects can become airborne and dangerous. You are safest indoors, away from windows, in an interior room. Stay Weather-Ready and learn more about wind safety at weather.gov/safety/wind.

Flooding

safe place - flooding

During a flood, water levels and flow speed can quickly change. You are safest by staying indoors, or seeking higher ground if shelter isn’t available. If you’re stuck outside when a flash flood occurs, do not attempt to cross flood waters by vehicle or on foot. Learn more about flood safety at weather.gov/safety/flood.

Tornadoes

safe place - tornadoes

Tornadoes can be extremely dangerous. Safe places include storm shelters and basements — but if not available, an interior room without windows can also be protective. If you receive a tornado warning, take shelter immediately! Learn more about tornado safety at: weather.gov/safety/tornado.

Flood Warning for Navasota River near Normangee

flood warning

A flood warning has been issued for the Navasota River near Normangee from this afternoon to Friday afternoon (or until the warning is canceled).

At 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 15, the river stage was a 14.3 feet. At 15 feet, minor lowland flooding begins as water escapes the main channel and inundates the flood plain.

Minor flooding is forecast by late this afternoon and continue to rise to near 15.5 feet after midnight on Thursday. The river should fall below flood stage by early Friday morning, April 17.