24/7 Emergency ServiceTropical Storm Watch | Southbridge, MA
8/3/2020 (Permalink)
Staying informed is one of the most important things you can do during any storm!
In the early morning hours of August 3rd, the National Weather Service issued a tropical storm warning/watch throughout Southern New England.
Tropical Storm Warning vs Tropical Storm Watch
A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the next 36 hours. This means winds from 39-73 MPH.
Tropical storm watch means that the tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.
Preparing your home for storm weather
Keep trees and branches outside your home trimmed back, and if you happen to have some extra time, put your patio furniture inside, in the shed, or secure it down. You won't want to look outside to see your table flying into the neighbor's yard!
Clean your gutters, this can help prevent water from backing up, and entering your home.
Take a walk-about of your home and make sure there are no holes or gaps in any windows or doors that could let water in.
Be sure you have these supplies handy just in case the power goes out:
- Extra water
- Batteries
- Flash lights
- First aid kit
- Battery powered radio
- Extra blankets
- Extra (clean) clothes
- Games (to keep the kids [and you!] occupied)
- Matches
- Candles
- Pet food and water for your pets
To read the full list of suggested items to keep on hand in the case of an emergency, click here.
Driving during severe weather
Flooding can happen in a matter of minutes after heavy rains begin. During flooding or heavy rains, if possible, avoid driving through any flooded roadways or puddles. Just 6 inches of water can force your car in any direction and put you in danger.
If you're driving a larger vehicle (trucks), be aware that the winds will affect you more than smaller cars. It's important that, no matter what size vehicle you're driving, you drive slow. Wind speeds and weather conditions can change in a moments notice. Driving slow can reduce the chances of getting into an accident.
Staying informed
It's important to stay informed during times where there is severe weather warnings. Turning on your radio will be the easiest way to get updates on the weather and any changing protocols/ conditions.
If your home or business suffers from any storm damage in the next upcoming days, or any time, give us a call at 508-234-3399, we're here in your community, here to help 24/7 !!
For more storm preparedness information visit:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm-prepare