Weather Safety Blog
Practical guides on severe weather alerts, river flooding, radar, and what to do when conditions turn serious.
Tornado Watch vs. Warning: What's the Difference?
One means conditions are right. The other means take shelter now. Here's how to tell them apart and what to do for each.
River Flood Levels Explained
Action stage, minor flood, moderate flood, major flood — what each level means and when to start paying attention.
What Kp Index Do You Need to See the Northern Lights?
A plain-English guide to the Kp index, geomagnetic storms, and how far south the aurora can actually reach.
What to Do During a Flash Flood Warning
Flash flooding is the #1 weather killer in the US. Here's what to do immediately, where to go, and what to avoid.
AQI Levels Explained — What the Numbers Mean
The Air Quality Index runs from 0 to 500. Here's what each level means, when to stay inside, and who's most at risk.
Hurricane Categories Explained — Cat 1 Through Cat 5
The Saffir-Simpson scale, what each category means on the ground, and why wind speed isn't the whole story.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch vs. Warning
What makes a thunderstorm "severe," the difference between a watch and warning, and the new damage tags you need to know.
Winter Storm Warnings Explained
Winter storm warning, ice storm warning, blizzard warning, wind chill advisory — what each one means and how to prepare.
EF Scale Tornado Ratings Explained
The Enhanced Fujita Scale rates tornadoes EF0 through EF5 based on damage. Here's what each rating means and the wind speeds involved.
How to Read Weather Radar
What the radar colors mean, how to spot rotation and hook echoes, and how to track storms heading your way.
What Does Flood Stage Mean?
Action stage, minor flood, moderate flood, major flood — how the NWS defines each level and what they mean for your river.
Derecho vs. Tornado
Both produce 100+ mph winds, but a derecho's damage path can be hundreds of miles wide. Here's how they differ.
Best Weather Alert App for Android
What to look for in a severe weather app — speed, NWS data, river monitoring, and features most people don't think about.
Heat Index Explained
When the thermometer says 95°F but it feels like 112°F — how the heat index works and when heat becomes deadly.
Tornado Preparedness Checklist
What to have ready before tornado season, what to do during a warning, and what to do after a tornado passes.
Hurricane Preparedness Guide
Essential supplies, evacuation planning, protecting your home, and what to do when a hurricane watch or warning is issued.
Weather Radio vs. Phone Alerts
NOAA Weather Radio and phone apps both deliver warnings, but they work differently. Here's why you should have both.