How and Why You Should Prepare for Hurricane Season

Do you reside in an area that is prone to hurricanes? If you live on the East Coast, namely in the south or if you live along the Gulf Coast, the risk of a hurricane impacting your life can be quite high. If you do live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, are you prepared for them? Unfortunately, not all residents are.

When it comes to hurricanes, it is important to preplan. Unfortunately, many individuals believe that they do not have to do so until a hurricane watch or warning has been issued. Of course, you should take action when a hurricane watch or warning has been issued, but there are also steps that you can take to prepare for a hurricane before hurricane season even starts. Speaking of hurricane season, you will want to be prepared for the unexpected from the beginning of June until the end of November.

As previously stated, it is advised that all residents preplan for hurricane season. One of the best ways to do so is to have a plan in place. You will want to first start by deciding what you need or what you would like to bring with you, should you need to evacuate your home. You will want to create a list of these items, make copies of that list, and store those copies in convenient locations around your home, such as on your refrigerator. Creating of list of what items you will need to gather is important, as many individuals have a difficult time remembering important documents and other items when forced to evacuate from their homes.

Speaking of leaving your home, do you have an evacuation plan in place? You should. An evacuation plan is particularly important if you do not have your own means of transportation. As for where you want to evacuate to, do you have any close friends or family members who live on higher ground or farther inland? If so, would these individuals be willing to temporarily open up their homes to you? If you do not have any friends or family in a safe area, you will likely need to stay at a hotel. For that reason, it may be a good idea to have a little bit of money saved. You will want to be able to afford to stay at a hotel for at least two or three days in the event that a hurricane forces you to evacuate your home.

Although it is difficult to associate anything nice with hurricanes, there is something. That is the warnings that you will receive. Meteorologists are often able to predict where a hurricane is likely to strike and they can do so at least one or two days in advance. This means that you should have a little bit of preparation time. With that in mind, you will not want to wait until the last minute. As soon as hurricane watch or warning is issued for your area, you will want to fill up your car with gasoline and head to your local grocery store. If you plan to board up your home’s windows, be sure to visit your local home improvement store right away. Many residents who wait until the last minute find themselves faced with shortages.

Although all individuals are urged to evacuate during a hurricane, especially when warnings have been posted, many residents are not forced to do so. If you make the decision to stay behind, even against warnings from local officials, it is important that you plan for and prepare for the worst case scenario. You will want to make sure that your home is structurally safe. You will also want to stock up on food and water. Be sure to have a weather radio, working flashlights, and a cell phone with you at all times. Also, be sure that a close friend or family member knows of your decision to stay behind.

The above mentioned steps are just a few of the many that you should take to prepare for a hurricane. As a reminder, there are a number of steps that you can take to prepare for the what ifs even before hurricane season rolls around.

The Impact Weather Can and Should Have on Your Vacation

Are you in there process of planning a vacation? If you are, you may be filled with excitement. As much as you may be looking forward to your upcoming vacation, it is important that you always take the weather into consideration. The weather has a huge impact on our lives in general, as well our vacations. In fact, it doesn’t matter where your intended vacation destination is, the weather should always be in your thoughts and on your mind.

One of the many ways that the weather can impact your vacation is by causing delays. This is most commonly the case with travel. Whether you are driving, flying, or taking a bus to get to your vacation destination, bad weather can cause you delays. These delays can be as small as a few minutes or as long as overnight. The good news is that many of these travel arrangements can be redone and rescheduled, often free of charge. Many airlines and bus rental companies would be more than happy to get you seats on another connecting flight or bus.

The weather can also have an impact on what you need to pack. In fact, all vacationers are urged to check the anticipated weather forecast for their vacation destinations. If you are interested in getting your packing started early, you will want to check the weather then. With that in mind, be sure to check the anticipated weather forecast again, about a day or two before you are supposed to leave. This will enable you to account for any changes in the weather. Despite a clear and sunny weather forecast, you may still want to plan for the unexpected.

The weather can also have an impact on your next vacation, as it may be the deciding factor in what you are able to participate in, in terms of activities and attractions. For example, would you like to go skiing? If so, is the weather at your intended vacation destination forecasted to be cold and snowy? If not, you may have to make alternative arrangements. What about lightning? If lightning is forecasted, you may be unable to go boating, swimming, or fishing, at least for a portion of your vacation.

Reviewing the weather before your trip can also help you determine if you should cancel your vacation. Although most weather events will not likely call for a cancellation, there are others that may. For example, if you find that you intended vacation destination is under a hurricane watch or warning for your dates of travel, you may want to reschedule your vacation. In events such as this, many airlines and hotels make it easy for you to make alternative arrangements. Even though canceling your vacation plans may be the best, safest option, you may have feelings that state otherwise. It is important to remember that many businesses and forms of public transportation shut down during hurricane warnings.

Although not always possible, if you want to take steps to minimize the impact the weather will have on your next vacation, you will want to plan that vacation carefully. For instance, it may be a good idea to avoid vacationing in Florida or other areas that are prone to hurricanes in the height of hurricane season, and so forth. As a reminder, be sure to check the weather forecast for you intended vacation destination right before you leave.

Should You Become a Weather Photographer?

Do you enjoy the weather, namely the beauty of it? If you do, have you ever thought about becoming a professional weather photographer? If not, this is an opportunity that you may want to give a close look. In fact, it is an activity and career opportunity that many weather enthusiasts find fun and exciting.

When it comes to being a weather photographer, it is important to remember that you do have a number of different options. For starters, you can be a paid, professional weather photographer or you may prefer being an amateur photographer, for personal purposes only. With that in mind, you may be curious as to whether or not weather photography is right for you. When examining weather photography and if it is right for you, there are a number of important questions that you will want to ask yourself.

One of the questions that you will want to ask yourself is if you have a love for the weather. If you regularly find yourself tracking the weather, like your snow or rainfall totals, at home or if you enjoy finding amazing weather pictures on the internet, you may want to take up weather photography.

It is also important to examine the equipment that you do have or the equipment that you can buy. Many weather photographers rely on professional cameras, as well as camcorders to get the best shots and videos. With that in mind, it is also important to focus on your purpose for photographing the weather. If you are interested in working as a paid professional photographer, you may need more equipment.

Speaking of your goals, are you interested in pursuing weather photography as a career or just as a hobby? Although weather photography is a great career and it may also prove to be a profitable one, it can be difficult to break into. For that reason, even if you hope to become a professional photographer, you may still want to start out small. You can do this by treating it as a hobby first. This will ensure that you do not run into financial trouble when pursing a career as a weather photographer.

Another one of the many questions that you will want to ask yourself, when trying to determine if weather photography is right for you, is your ability to drop everything and run. What is amazing about the weather is that it is unpredictable. A simple thunderstorm can turn into a tornado producing storm in as little as a few minutes. If you are serious about working as a professional weather photographer, it is important that you have the ability, time, and freedom to do so.

As it was previously stated, a simple thunderstorm can unexpectedly spawn a tornado. This is one of the many dangers associated with weather photography. In fact, many weather photographers work with storm chasers. If you are interested in doing so, you need to be able to think quickly on your feet and be good at problem solving under pressure. Are these qualities that describe you?

By honestly and accurately answering the above mentioned questions, you should be able to determine if weather photography is right for you, either as a hobby or as a career. Should you decide that it is, be sure to have a plan in place before you head out into the field.

Should You Get a Degree in Meteorology?

Are you a high school student who is looking towards your future, namely your future at college? Or, are you an adult who would like to continue your education, after a break? If so, do you have an idea as to what you would like to major in? When it comes to furthering your education, you have an unlimited number of options.

Although you do have an unlimited number of options, when looking to continue with your education, you may want to take the time to examine meteorology. Majoring or at least having a minor major in meteorology has an unlimited number of benefits. Perhaps the greatest benefit being the career opportunities that you will be qualified for once you have successfully obtained your degree.

As previously stated, meteorology is an option that you will want to examine, when determining which classes you should take at college or when choosing a major. One of the many reasons why meteorology is a nice option is because a large number of colleges and universities in the United States have meteorology and other weather related programs. Although it is relatively easy for you to obtain a degree in meteorology, it is doesn’t mean that you should or even that you will want to.

When it comes to determining if a degree and a career in meteorology is right for you, one of the many factors that you will want to take into consideration is weather and your interest in it. One of the most important parts of choosing a degree, as well as a career involves ensuring it is something that you are interested in. You are advised against pursuing a career in meteorology if you are could honestly care less about the weather and how it works. On the other hand, if you regularly find yourself tracking the weather from your home, such as the daily rainfall levels, your love for weather tracking can easily translate into a profitable career.

It is also important to examine your goals and aspirations. For example, do you aspire to work in the field of meteorology? Whether you are interested in teaching meteorology in college, earth science in high school or if you would like to be a professional weather writer or a meteorologist, these goals should be of great importance to you. As you likely already know, it can be fairly costly to attend college. That is why it is important that you take steps to ensure that the degree you do choose is associated with your dreams and goals, at least those that concern your career opportunities.

Should you decide that you would like to receive a degree in meteorology, you will want to start examining all of your options. As previously stated, a large number of colleges and universities in the United States have meteorology degree programs and classes. This means that you should be able to receive a degree in meteorology at one of your local colleges or even at a college clear across the county.

Once you have been accepted to the college of your choice, you may find yourself having to do an internship. While you will find some variations, these internships are likely to take place at local news stations or radio stations. Even after your unpaid internship has ended, it is a good idea to inquire about paid work. This work can come in handy, even if you have yet to receive your meteorology degree. For starters, the money that you do make can go towards paying for your college education. On the other hand, if you would like to work as a meteorologist at a television or radio station, a paid position can at least help you get your foot in the door.

In conclusion, although you do have a number of different options, in terms of your majors at college, it may be worth your while to at least examine meteorology. After a close examination, you may find that a degree in meteorology is the perfect fit for you.

Weather Devices: Where to Find and Buy Them

Do you enjoy weather tracking from home? If you do, you may enjoy monitoring the wind direction, the temperature, and much more. If weather tracking is an activity that you enjoy, even just as a hobby, you may be looking to buy weather devices, tools, and equipment pieces. If this is your first time looking to do so, you may be unsure as to how.

When it comes to buying weather devices, tools, and other equipment pieces, you will find that it typically depends on what you are looking to buy. For starters, thermometers can be purchased from a number of different locations. Traditional thermometers can easily be found in department stores, discount stores, sports stores, and even dollar stores. On the other hand, if you are looking for more sophistication, you may want to look into a digital weather forecaster. These are often found for sale in sports stores, department stores, as well as home and garden stores.

Another weather device that is popular is that of a weather vane. Weather vanes are popular as they are not only used for weather tracking purposes, but for home décor as well. In a way, this is good for you, as you often have a large selection of weather vanes to choose from. Weather vanes can be purchased from a large number of stores, including home and garden stores, department stores, and sport stores. When buying a weather vane to help you with your at-home weather tracking hobby, remember that you do have a number of different options. This is nice if you have an outdoor or an indoor theme for your home.

Rain gauges are another sought after weather device, especially by amateur weather trackers. This weather device is one that is easy to find and buy. Small and cheap rain gauges can usually be found for sale in discount stores or even dollar stores. If you are looking for something a little more scientific, you may want to turn to your local home and garden store or a sports store. The same can be said for snow gauges.

In addition to the above mentioned stores, which commonly included sports stores, home improvement stores, as well as department stores, many weather devices can also be purchased online. In fact, you may have the best luck finding and buying weather devices online. This is because you have a larger selection of equipment pieces to choose from and you can easily compare retailers and prices. To find these online retailers, you will want to perform a standard internet search. Your internet search can include the name of an online retailer or the name of a particular weather device you would like to purchase, like a snow gauge.

When shopping for weather devices, tools, and equipment pieces, you will want to keep your purchases in mind. If you are interested in purchasing multiple weather devices, you may want to examine full weather station sets. These sets often include three or more weather devices and many are sold for relatively affordable prices. In fact, you may be rewarded with a discount for making multiple purchases in the form of a full weather station set. Although weather sets can be purchased locally from a number of different stores, you are likely to find the largest selection of stations, as well as the best prices online.

The Importance of Updates During Severe Weather

Do you reside in an area that is prone to severe weather? Whether that weather is severe thunderstorms, severe snowstorms, hurricanes, or tornadoes, it is important to stay updated. Staying updated in the middle of severe weather is extremely important. In fact, it can actually be a lifesaver.

As important as it is to know that updates during severe weather are important, you may be wondering exactly why that is so. It is important to remember that the weather can be unpredictable. Although many meteorologists are able to predict the weather to some extent, there will always be changes, many of which may even be last minute changes. That is why weather updates are always important, but they are particularly important during severe weather.

As previously stated, weather updates are important at any point in time, but the are vital during severe weather. This is most often the case with weather events that have the possibility to become natural disasters. If you ever find yourself in a thunderstorm warning, hurricane advisory, flood watch, or tornado watch, it is important that you regularly check the weather. In fact, depending on the situation at hand, you may need to do so every one or two minutes.

Now that you know the importance of weather updates, particularly during severe weather, you may be curious as to how you can go about getting these updates. The good news is that you do have a number of different options. For starters, you will want to turn on your television or the radio. Many local television stations will have weather updates scrolling along the bottom of the screen. In extreme severe weather cases, it is also common to see live updates with your local meteorologist. You will also want to turn on your radio, as many emergency weather updates are sent out as broadcast alerts.

Although many local news channels, for both television and radio, will have regular weather updates, especially when severe weather is striking, there are no guarantees. If you have internet access, you may also benefit from using the internet to stay updated on what is happening outdoors. Many national and local news channels may give you constant updates online and you may also be able to view updated radar pictures online. When using your computer, it is important that you use your best judgment, especially when using a desktop computer. During severe lightening storms, all important electronics, including computers, should be unplugged.

While the above mentioned options are all great ways to go about staying up-to-date on the weather, especially when you are in the middle of a severe storm, these options may not always be available. If your home loses power, you may be unable to use the internet or your television. That is why it is always a good idea to have a weather radio on hand or at least a traditional battery operated radio. If one is not available, you will want to quickly call any friends or family members that you know who still have power, as they may be able to provide you with helpful, possibly lifesaving updates. There are also weather programs that you can access from your cell phone for a small monthly fee.

As outlined above, it is important to stay updated with what is happening with the weather outside, especially in the middle of severe weather. Since the weather is unpredictable, you never know when a simple thunderstorm may turn into so much more.

Preparing for Winter Weather

As winter approaches, are you prepared for the wintry, snowy, and icy mix that may come along with it? If not, you will want to take action right away. The best time to prepare for winter weather is before it strikes.

When it comes to preparing for winter weather, many individuals assume that they have nothing to worry about. Yes, this may be true in some cases, but you never really know. Although winter weather, including wind, snow, and ice, is commonly associated with the north, did you know that the south can also be impacted as well? Although not as common, there have been instances where southern states have received their fair share of snow and ice. Unfortunately, since these weather events are fairly uncommon they are unfamiliar and the possibility of danger always lurks.

When preparing for winter weather, you will want to start with your home. If you live in an area that is prone to cold weather, you will want to take action. This action should involve ensuring that all gaps are closed in your home. This may involve having your windows redone or ensuring that all fans and air conditioners are removed. Also, before turning on your heat, it is important to give everything a quick check. If you have a furnace, you may want to first have it examined by a professional and all electric baseboard heaters should be cleaned before being turned on.

When winter weather, namely snow, does arrive, it is important that you take your roof into consideration. In the event of a snowstorm, it is important to ensure that your roof is able to withstand the weight of all the snow. If not, you will want to safely remove the snow from your roof. If you do not believe that you can safety do so, you will want to call upon a professional. In keeping with the outside of your home, you will also want to have rock salt or ice melt on hand at all times. In the wintertime, especially in the north, you never know when the conditions outside may turn to ice.

As winter approaches, it is also advised that you take a close look at your vehicle. One of the biggest impacts that winter weather has is on travel. If you plan to travel during the wintertime and if you live in an area that is prone to snow and ice, you will want to ensure that your vehicle is winter ready. You will want to ensure that you have the proper tires, as well as an emergency bag. This emergency bag should include a change of clothes, a sweater or sweatshirt, a pair of gloves, a winter hat, scarf, as well as a few snacks. A snowbrush, as well as a small bag of ice melt and a small snow shovel may also a good idea.

What is nice about winter weather is that many meteorologists are able to predict bad weather. This means that if a winter storm approaches, you should have an idea of what to expect, at least in terms of snowfall and ice levels. In the wintertime, it is important that you examine all weather reports, whether you do so online, through your television or the radio. This is particularly important if you are planning a trip or even just for your drive to and from work. In the event that the weather is poor enough to close schools, you may also want to take a close look at your travel plans.

Although winter storms have the biggest impact on travel, it is also important to examine the other consequences of severe wind, snow, or ice. These risks include downed trees and power lines. Since there is a high probability for power loss in a winter storm, you will want to prepare for it. Your preparation steps should include having a large selection of flashlights and batteries or candles on hand. Space heater are also an ideal option, should you lose power. With that in mind, be sure to familiarize yourself with the risks and dangers associated with improper space heater use before using one.

The Dangers of Storm Chasing

Do you enjoy watching severe weather unfold? If so, you may be interested in taking up storm chasing, either as a career or as a hobby. Storm chasing is defined as the pursuit of severe weather. This severe weather most commonly includes tornadoes, but many storm chasers often observe, photograph, and film thunderstorms, floods, hail, and hurricanes.

While storm chasers have a wide range of reasons for doing what they do, you will find that many love the excitement. For many, storm chasing, especially in severe weather, acts as a rush. With that in mind, there are other storm chasers who do so for the amazing pictures and video documentation they are able to get. These pictures and videos may be kept for personal use and viewing only or they may be sold to new organizations or weather agencies. In fact, the money is another one of the many reasons why storm chasing is a popular activity.

As previously stated, there are a number of different reasons why you may wish to become a storm chaser, either for personal or professional purposes. With that in mind, it is also important to focus on the dangers. As exciting as storm chasing can be, it is important to remember that danger does exist. In fact, storm chasing is considered one of the most potentially dangerous activities enjoyed by many.

One of the many dangers that surround storm chasing is the situations that you may find yourself in. It is important to remember that the weather is unpredictable. The weather can, literally, change at a moments notice. This is particularly the case with tornadoes and tornadoes are the most sought after weather events by storm chasers. This means that you and other storm chasers are always at risk.

Speaking of risks, you maybe curios as to exactly what those risk are. Generally speaking, you will find that it all depends on what type of weather is being sought after. For instance, if tornadoes are the storm of choice, you will find that there are an unlimited number of risks. When in the middle of a super cell thunderstorm just about any cloud in the area has the ability to spurn a tornado. This means that you are never safe. If you are unexpectedly caught inside a tornado, serious injury and death is always a possibility.

As for hail storms, the risks also depend on the storm in question, as well as your location. For example, cities and towns in the Midwest are more likely to experience severe hailstorms. These hailstorms have the possibility to damage your vehicle, including your windshield. That is why if you do plan to storm chase hailstorms, it is important that you do so safely and in the proper vehicle.

Although there are an unlimited number of risks associated with storm chasing, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t an activity that you shouldn’t enjoy. With that in mind, it is important to remember that not everyone is the ideal candidate for storm chasing. Since storm chasers often find themselves in unpredictable situations, they need to be quick on their feet and be good at solving difficult, unexpected problems. If these are qualities that do not describe you, you may want to enjoy the weather from inside the safety and comfort of your own home.

In addition to having good reflexes and good problem solving skills, storm chasers are always urged to prepare. Having a plan in place, for all types of situations, is the best way to safely enjoy storm chasing, whether it be for a career or a hobby. Storm chasers are advised against entering into severe weather without constant weather updates. These weather updates may be able to come from a portable television or wireless internet, a weather radio, or a traditional news radio station.

If, after taking the above mentioned points into consideration, storm chasing is still an activity you would like to enjoy, it is advised that you start developing a plan. Storm chasing is always best with another individual, as well the proper equipment.