Thunderstorm Forecasts       Thunderstorm Forecast from The Weather Channel
Current Severe Thunderstorm and/or Tornado WATCHES

Current Radar & Satellite Images

Northern Indiana Doppler Radar
Detroit Doppler Radar
Toledo Area Radar Summary
GOES-8 Satellite Image

Additional Information
Thunderstorms & Lightning-The Underrated Killers
Tornadoes-Nature's Most Violent Storms
Safe Boating Weather Tips
NOAA Weather Radio-The Voice Of The National Weather Service

Return to Rossford Fire Home Page

Spring is finally here and that means we are getting into Thunderstorm Season. The Rossford Fire & Rescue Department would like to help our community prepare with this special weather page. 

Forecasts and Severe Thunderstorm/Tornado Watches:

The links on the left will take you to today's forecasts from The Weather Channel and the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center. The SPC is the agency that issues all Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Watches. A WATCH means that conditions are favorable for the formation of Severe Thunderstorms and/or Tornadoes but no severe weather is occurring yet (Think "Watch" as in "watch the sky"). Residents should keep an eye to the sky and stay tuned to local TV or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest conditions and any Warnings that are issued. Severe Weather Warnings for our area are issued by the National Weather Service in Cleveland. A WARNING means a severe weather event is actually occurring. 

Severe Thunderstorm WARNINGS:

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are issued for thunderstorms with wind gusts higher than 58 mph or hail larger than 3/4" (golf ball size). Winds of this speed and hail of this size can cause injuries and property damage. Also keep in mind, ALL thunderstorms contain lightning but it may be more frequent and intense with a Severe Thunderstorm. If you are outside seek shelter immediately in a building or automobile. Sirens are not sounded for Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, so stay tuned to local TV, The Weather Channel or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest. It should also be remembered that Severe Thunderstorms occasionally produce Tornadoes with little or no warning.

Tornado WARNINGS:

Tornado Warnings are issued when a tornado is actually seen by storm spotters (such as Skywarn Spotters, police officers or firefighters) or it is indicated on Doppler Radar. Warning Sirens are sounded for Tornado Warnings. Immediate action is necessary, this is a potentially deadly situation! Tornadoes are the most violent atmospheric phenomenon on the face of the earth. Winds have been estimated close to 300 mph in large tornadoes. Although Ohio's number of tornadoes does not rank high in the United States, we do average around 16 tornadoes a year. Many of these tornadoes are classified as "weak" (F0 or F1 on the Fujita Scale), but do not let this title fool you, a "weak" tornado can still injure or kill you and can still do quite a bit of damage. Ohio has also been struck by some of the most destructive (F5) tornadoes ever, including the April 3, 1974 tornado at Xenia, which killed over 30 people and destroyed 2,000 buildings. The Point Place / Shoreland area was struck by an F4 tornado on April 11, 1965. That storm killed 16 and injured 207 throughout Northern Lucas County. 50 homes were destroyed. An important fact to remember about F Scale ratings is that the rating of a tornado is not accomplished until after the storm when a damage survey is done. Any tornado could be the "big one" so ALL Tornado Warnings should be followed.

The following instructions from the National Weather Service are what to do when a Tornado Warning is issued:

IN HOMES OR SMALL BUILDINGS:

• Go to the basement or to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or bathroom. Get under a sturdy piece of furniture or wrap yourself in blankets or towels to protect yourself from flying debris.

IN CARS OR MOBILE HOMES:

• #1 RULE- ABANDON THEM IMMEDIATELY!! Most deaths occur in cars and mobile homes. If you are in either of these locations, leave them and go to a substantial structure, such as a designated storm shelter.

IN SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, FACTORIES, OR SHOPPING CENTERS:

• Go to interior rooms or halls on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs such as an auditoriums and warehouses. 

IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS:

• Go to interior small rooms or halls. Stay away from exterior walls or glassy areas.

IF NO SUITABLE STRUCTURES ARE NEARBY:

• Lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression and use your hands to cover your head and neck.

Return to Rossford Fire Homepage

E-mail: info@rossfordfire.com

Copyright (c) 2008 Rossford Fire & Rescue Department