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Home ▸ Departments ▸ Emergency Management Agency (EMA)

Severe Weather

Changes to atmospheric conditions can lead to damaging thunderstorms, tornados, or even blizzards that can cause serious damage. The National Weather Service estimates that 500 deaths per year and nearly $500 billion in damages are caused by weather related events.

As these fast-moving, highly localized storms move through a region, people and businesses need to be aware and take swift action. Stay up to date with the latest information from the National Weather Service’s Cleveland office. Cleveland, OH (weather.gov).

Preparedness

The Lake County Emergency Management Agency is a proud Weather Ready Nation Ambassador. In being an ambassador, the Emergency Management Agency is working with NOAA and other Ambassadors to strengthen national resilience against extreme weather.  To learn more about becoming a Weather Ready Nation Ambassador, click the link below.

About Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors™

Planning

Before severe weather occurs:

  • Listen to your local forecast or NOAA weather radio regularly for upcoming weather events
  • Sign up for Lake County’s Reverse 911 to receive emergency alerts
  • Understand weather terminology used by meteorologists

During severe weather:

  • If outside, move to a safe location
  • If inside, move to a safe area in your home
  • Monitor a weather radio or emergency alert stations for important updates from local officials

After severe weather:

  • If necessary, contact family members or friends to let them know you are ok.
  • Check for damage on your property. When checking, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes
  • If appropriate, help your neighbors. If you come across people that are injured and you are properly trained, if needed, provide first aid until emergency responders arrive

Follow the link to see the National Weather Service’s safety tips in their All-Hazards Weather Planning: Safety (weather.gov)

Become Involved

The SkyWarn™ Spotter program is a voluntary program in which the public can participate in storm reporting and interact with your local NWS Office.  Spotters are encouraged to relay critical weather information to their local NWS Office, in support of the Warning and Forecast Operations. The information spotters provide immensely helps the NWS Forecasters make better/more informed forecasts and helps them to warn others of impending dangers or hazards. To find out more, follow the link: NWS Cleveland SKYWARN (weather.gov)

CoCoRaHS is an acronym for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network.  CoCoRaHS is a unique, non-profit, community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail and snow).   By using low-cost measurement tools, stressing training and education, and utilizing an interactive website to provide the highest quality data for natural resource, education and research applications. Click the link to find out more! CoCoRaHS – Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network