Learn About Severe Weather
Educational resources, safety information, and myth busting
Storm Types
Supercell Thunderstorms
The most dangerous type of thunderstorm, characterized by a rotating updraft (mesocyclone). Capable of producing large hail, damaging winds, and violent tornadoes.
Squall Lines
A line of severe thunderstorms that can extend for hundreds of miles. Known for producing damaging straight-line winds, heavy rain, and occasional tornadoes.
Derechos
Widespread, long-lived windstorms associated with fast-moving bands of showers. Can produce hurricane-force winds and cause extensive damage over large areas.
Tornadoes
Violently rotating columns of air extending from thunderstorms to the ground. Rated EF0-EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale based on damage.
Winter Storms
Blizzards, ice storms, and heavy snow events. Can produce dangerous travel conditions, power outages, and life-threatening cold.
Flooding
Flash floods and river flooding. The #1 weather-related killer in the US. Never drive through flooded roads - Turn Around, Don't Drown.
Safety Information
Tornado Safety
- Go to a basement or interior room on the lowest floor (closet, bathroom)
- Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls
- Cover yourself with a mattress or heavy blankets
- If in a mobile home, leave immediately and find sturdy shelter
- If caught outside, lie flat in a ditch and cover your head
Lightning Safety
- When thunder roars, go indoors! Seek shelter immediately
- Stay inside for 30 minutes after the last thunder
- Avoid water, high ground, and isolated trees
- If you feel your hair stand up, crouch low with minimal ground contact
- A hard-topped vehicle is safe if you don't touch metal
Flood Safety
- NEVER drive through flooded roads - Turn Around, Don't Drown
- 6 inches of water can knock you down, 2 feet can float a car
- Move to higher ground if flash flooding threatens
- Avoid walking through moving water
- Stay off bridges over fast-moving water
Winter Storm Safety
- Stay indoors during blizzards and severe cold
- Keep emergency supplies: food, water, flashlight, batteries
- Dress in layers and cover exposed skin
- Keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle
- Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia
Weather Myths Debunked
The "Grand Forks Bubble" Myth
Many believe Grand Forks is protected from severe weather by a mysterious "bubble." This is FALSE.
The Truth: Grand Forks gets fewer tornadoes than Tornado Alley simply because it's further north with less favorable atmospheric conditions, not because of any protective bubble.
The region still experiences severe weather, including the devastating 1997 flood and regular severe thunderstorms. Always take warnings seriously!
Overpasses Are Safe Shelter
Seeking shelter under a highway overpass during a tornado is extremely dangerous.
The Truth: Overpasses act as wind tunnels, actually accelerating winds. You're exposed to flying debris with no protection. This myth has caused deaths. Always seek proper shelter in a sturdy building or low ditch away from vehicles.
Open Windows to Equalize Pressure
Opening windows before a tornado to "equalize pressure" is dangerous and wastes time.
The Truth: Homes are not airtight - air pressure equalizes on its own. Opening windows wastes precious seconds you need to seek shelter and can actually allow more debris inside. Focus on getting to safety immediately.
Weather Glossary
Convective Available Potential Energy - measures atmospheric instability
A rotating updraft in a supercell thunderstorm
Radar signature indicating rotation, often associated with tornadoes
Change in wind speed or direction with altitude
Temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture
Storm Prediction Center - issues severe weather outlooks
Enhanced Fujita Scale - rates tornado intensity (EF0-EF5)
Rotating thunderstorm with organized structure