Risk Level		Definition
	None	Maximum Apparent Temperature < 95
	Limited	Maximum Apparent Temperature 95 to 99
	Elevated	Maximum Apparent Temperature 100 to 104 OR Maximum Apparent Temperature greater than or equal to 100 for 4 consecutive days.
	Significant	Maximum Apparent Temperature 105 to 109 OR Maximum Apparent Temperature greater than or equal to 105 for 4 consecutive days.
	Extreme	Maximum Apparent Temperature greater than or equal to 110 OR Maximum Apparent Temperataure greater than or equal to 105 for 5 consecutive days.

Note:	Apparent Temperature is defined as:
		Wind Chill Temperature during the cold season.
		Heat Index Temperature during the warm season.

Heat Wave - A Major Summer Killer

A National Problem

Heat kills by taxing the human body beyond its abilities. In a normal year, about 175 Americans succumb to the demands of summer heat. Among the large continental family of natural hazards, only the cold of winter-not lightning, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or earthquakes-takes a greater toll. In the 40-year period from 1936 through 1975, nearly 20,000 people were killed in the United States by the effects of heat and solar radiation. In the disastrous heat wave of 1980, more than 1,250 people died.

And these are the direct casualties. No one can know how many more deaths are advanced by heat wave weather-how many diseased or aging hearts surrender that under better conditions would have continued functioning.

North American summers are hot; most summers see heat waves in one section or another of the United States. East of the Rockies, they tend to combine both high temperature and high humidity although some of the worst have been catastrophically dry.

NOAA’s National Weather Service Heat Index Program

Considering this tragic death toll, the National Weather Service (NWS) has stepped up its efforts to alert more effectively the general public and appropriate authorities to the hazards of heat waves-those prolonged excessive heat/humidity episodes.

Based on the latest research findings, the NWS has devised the “Heat Index” (HI), (sometimes referred to as the “apparent temperature”). The HI, given in degrees F, is an accurate measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity (RH) is added to the actual air temperature.

To find the HI, look at the Heat Index Chart. As an example, if the air temperature is 95°F (found on the left side of the table) and the RH is 55% (found at the top of the table), the HI-or how hot it really feels-is 110°F. This is at the intersection of the 95° row and the 55% column.

IMPORTANT: Since HI values were devised for shady, light wind conditions, EXPOSURE TO FULL SUNSHINE CAN INCREASE HI VALUES BY UP TO 15°F. Also, STRONG WINDS, PARTICULARLY WITH VERY HOT, DRY AIR, CAN BE EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS.

Heat Index/Heat Disorders: Possible heat disorders for people in higher risk groups.

Heat Index of 130° OR Higher: HEATSTROKE/SUNSTROKE HIGHLY HIGHER LIKELY WITH CONTINUED EXPOSURE,

Heat Index of 105°- 130°: SUNSTROKE, HEAT CRAMPS OR HEAT EXHAUSTION LIKELY, AND HEATSTROKE POSSIBLE WITH PROLONGED EXPOSURE AND/OR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.

Heat Index of 90°- 105°: SUNSTROKE, HEAT CRAMPS AND HEAT EXHAUSTION POSSIBLE WITH PROLONGED EXPOSURE AND/OR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.

Heat Index of 80° - 90°: FATIGUE POSSIBLE WITH PROLONGED EXPOSURE AND/OR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Note on the HI chart the shaded zone above 105°F. This corresponds to a level of HI that may cause increasingly severe heat disorders with continued exposure and/or physical activity.

The “Heat Index vs. Heat Disorder” table (next to the HI chart) relates ranges of HI with specific disorders, particularly for people in higher risk groups.

Summary of NWS’s Alert Procedures

The NWS will initiate alert procedures when the HI is expected to exceed 105°- 1 10°F (depending on local climate) for at least two consecutive days. The procedures are:

• Include HI values in zone and city forecasts.
• Issue Special Weather Statements and/or Public Information Statements presenting a detailed discussion of
  • Extent of the hazard including HI values
  • Who is most at risk
  • Safety rules for reducing the risk.
• Assist state/local health officials in preparing Civil Emergency Messages in severe heat waves. Meteorological information from Special Weather Statements will be included as well as more detailed medical information, advice, and names and telephone numbers of health officials.
• Release to the media and over NOAA‘s own Weather Radio all of the above information.

How Heat Affects the Body Human

Human bodies dissipate heat by varying the rate and depth of blood circulation, by losing water through the skin and sweat glands, and-as the last extremity is reached-by panting, when blood is heated above 98.6 degrees. The heart begins to pump more blood, blood vessels dilate to accommodate the increased flow, and the bundles of tiny capillaries threading through the upper layers of skin are put into operation. The body’s blood is circulated closer to the skin’s surface, and excess heat drains off into the cooler atmosphere. At the same time, water diffuses through the skin as perspiration. The skin handles about 90 percent of the body’s heat dissipating function.

Sweating, by itself, does nothing to cool the body, unless the water is removed by evaporation, and high relative humidity retards evaporation. The evaporation process itself works this way: the heat energy required to evaporate the sweat is extracted from the body, thereby cooling it. Under conditions of high temperature (above 90 degrees) and high relative humidity, the body is doing everything it can to maintain 98.6 degrees inside. The heart is pumping a torrent of blood through dilated circulatory vessels; the sweat glands are pouring liquid-including essential dissolved chemicals, like sodium and chloride onto the surface of the skin.

Too Much Heat

Heat disorders generally have to do with a reduction or collapse of the body’s ability to shed heat by circulatory changes and sweating, or a chemical (salt) imbalance caused by too much sweating. When heat gain exceeds the level the body can remove, or when the body cannot compensate for fluids and salt lost through perspiration, the temperature of the body’s inner core begins to rise and heat-related illness may develop.

Ranging in severity, heat disorders share one common feature: the individual has overexposed or over exercised for his age and physical condition in the existing thermal environment.

Sunburn, with its ultraviolet radiation burns, can significantly retard the skin’s ability to shed excess heat. Studies indicate that, other things being equal, the severity of heat disorders tend to increase with age-heat cramps in a 17-year-old may be heat exhaustion in someone 40, and heat stroke in a person over 60.

Acclimatization has to do with adjusting sweat-salt concentrations, among other things. The idea is to lose enough water to regulate body temperature, with the least possible chemical disturbance.

Cities Pose Special Hazards

The stagnant atmospheric conditions of the heat wave trap pollutants in urban areas and add the stresses of severe pollution to the already dangerous stresses of hot weather, creating a health problem of undiscovered dimensions. A map of heat-related deaths in St. Louis during 1966, for example, shows a heavier concentration in the crowded alleys and towers of the inner city, where air quality would also be poor during a heat wave.

The high inner-city death rates also can be read as poor access to air-conditioned rooms. While air conditioning may be a luxury in normal times, it can be a lifesaver during heat wave conditions.

The cost of cool air moves steadily higher, adding what appears to be a cruel economic side to heat wave fatalities. Indications from the 1978 Texas heat wave suggest that some elderly people on fixed incomes, many of them in buildings that could not be ventilated without air conditioning, found the cost too high, turned off their units, and ultimately succumbed to the stresses of heat

Preventing Heat-Related Illness

Elderly persons, small children, chronic invalids, those on certain medications or drugs (especially tranquilizers and anticholinergics), and persons with weight and alcohol problems are particularly susceptible to heat reactions, especially during heat waves in areas where a moderate climate usually prevails.

Heat Wave Safety Tips

Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.

Dress for summer. Lightweight light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.

Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.

Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. Persons who (1) have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, (2) are on fluid restrictive diets or (3) have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids.

Do not drink alcoholic beverages.

Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.

Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air conditioned environment affords some protection.

Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult

---

Know These Heat Disorder Symptoms

SUNBURN: Redness and pain. In severe cases swelling of skin, blisters, fever, headaches. First Aid: Ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by physician.

HEAT CRAMPS: Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen possible. Heavy sweating. First Aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.

HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Pulse thready. Normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting. First Aid: Get victim out of sun. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.

HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke): High body temperature (106° F. or higher). Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. First Aid: HEAT STROKE IS A SEVERE MEDICAL EMERGENCY. SUMMON EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OR GET THE VICTIM TO A HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY. DELAY CAN BE FATAL. Move the victim to a cooler environment Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids. Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.

*For more information contact your local American Red Cross Chapter. Ask to enroll in a first aid course.

Produced as a cooperative effort of NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the American Red Cross. NOAA/PA 85001

 

Heavy Snow
Heavy snow can immobilize a region and paralyze a city, stranding commuters, closing airports, stopping the flow of supplies, and disrupting emergency and medical services. Accumulations of snow can cause roofs to collapse and knock down trees and power lines. Homes and farms may be isolated for days and unprotected livestock may be lost. In the mountains, heavy snow can lead to avalanches. The cost of snow removal, repairing damages, and the loss of business can have severe economic impacts on cities and towns.

An avalanche is a mass of tumbling snow. More than 80 percent of midwinter avalanches are triggered by a rapid accumulation of snow, and 90 percent of those occur within 24 hours of snowfall. An avalanche may reach a mass of a million tons and travel at speeds up to 200 mph.

Injuries Due To Ice and Snow
• About 70% result from vehicle accidents
• About 25% occur in people caught out in a storm
• Most happen to males over 40 years old BLIZZARD: Winds of 35 mph or more with snow and blowing snow reducing visibility to less than ¼ mile for at least 3 hours.

BLOWING SNOW: Wind-driven snow that reduces visibility. Blowing snow may be falling snow and/or snow on the ground picked up by the wind.
SNOW SQUALLS: Brief, intense snow showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds. Accumulation may be significant.
SNOW SHOWERS: Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time. Some accumulation is possible.
SNOW FLURRIES: Light snow falling for short durations with little or no accumulation.

Be Prepared!
Before the Storm Strikes

At Home and Work
Primary concerns are loss of heat, power and telephone service and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day.

Have available:
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information. These may be your only links to the outside.
- Extra food and water. Have high energy food, such as dried fruit, nuts and granola bars, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration.
- Extra medicine and baby items.
- First-aid supplies.
- Heating fuel. Refuel before you are empty. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a winter storm.
- Emergency heat source: fireplace, wood stove, space heater.
       -Use properly to prevent a fire.
       -Ventilate properly.
- Fire extinguisher, smoke alarm. Test smoke alarms once a month to ensure they work properly.
- Make sure pets have plenty of food, water and shelter.

In Vehicles

- Plan your travel and check the latest weather reports to avoid the storm!
- Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins.
- Carry a WINTER STORM SURVIVAL KIT:
• Mobile phone, charger, batteries
• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Knife
• High-calorie, non-perishable food
• Extra clothing to keep dry
• Large empty can to use as emergency toilet. Tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
• Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
• Sack of sand or cat litter for traction
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Tool kit
• Tow rope
• Battery booster cables
• Water container
• Compass and road maps.
- Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
- Avoid traveling alone. Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes.

 

Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines.

Ice Storm Warning: Heavy ice accumulation, generally greater than 1/4 of an inch thick, causing dangerous and damaging situations, such as downed utilitiy lines and icy roads.

Freezing Rain Advisory: Light ice coating on roads and highways, but no damage is expected to trees and power lines.

Have a winter storm survival kit in your home and vehicles, and be sure to receive the latest weather information from the NWS.

Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning.  Never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage, or camper-- or event outside near an open window.

Additional Frost and Freeze Information

The National Weather Service in Hastings, NE will issue Frost Advisories and Freeze Warnings for the growing season.  These products will be issued during the time frame of April 1st through November 15th.

Frost Advisories may be suspended earlier in the Autumn based on seasonal trends and surrounding Weather Service Office collaboration.

A freeze watch may also be issued for significant or unexpected freeze events generally in the Spring.  This product would typically be issued 24 to 48 hours in advance of the freeze and would be replaced with a Freeze Warning.

The average date of the last killing frost in Spring is April 13th.

The average date of the first killing frost in Autumn is October 25th.

 

Risk Level		Definition
	None	Minimum apparent temperature greater than or equal to 0 degrees F.
	Limited	Minimum apparent temperature -1 to -19 deg F.
	Elevated	Minimum apparent temperature -20 to -29 deg. F
	Significant	Minimum apparent temperature -30 to -39 deg. F.
	Extreme	Minimum apparent temperature less than/equal to - 40 degrees F

Note:	Apparent Temperature is defined as:
		Wind Chill Temperature during the cold season.
		Heat Index Temperature during the warm season.

Extreme Cold

 

Extreme cold often accompanies a winter storm or is left in its wake. Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and become life-threatening. Infants and elderly people are most susceptible. What constitutes extreme cold and its effect varies across different areas of the United States. In areas unaccustomed to winter weather, near freezing temperatures are considered "extreme cold." Freezing temperatures can cause severe damage to citrus fruit crops and other vegetation. Pipes may freeze and burst in homes that are poorly insulated or without heat. In the north, below zero temperatures may be considered as "extreme cold."

FROSTBITE

 

Frostbite is damage to body tissue caused by that tissue being frozen. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately! If you must wait for help, slowly rewarm affected areas. However, if the person is also showing signs of hypothermia, warm the body core before the extremities.

HYPOTHERMIA: LOW BODY TEMPERATURE

Warning signs - uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech,drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.

Detection - Take the person's temperature. If below 95F (35C),immediately seek medical care! If medical care is not available, begin warming the person slowly. Warm the body core first. If needed, use your own body heat to help. Get the person into dry clothing, and wrap them in a warm blanket covering the head and neck. Do not give the person alcohol, drugs, coffee, or any hot beverage or food; warm broth is better. Do not warm extremities (arms and legs) first! This drives the cold blood toward the heart and can lead to heart failure.

WIND CHILL

The wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by combined effects of wind and cold. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. Animals are also affected by wind chill.

Understanding the anticipated risk of weather hazards is important to making daily plans as well as carrying out preparedness activities prior to a hazardous weather event. The Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook (EHWO) depicts the risk of potential weather hazards through day 7 utilizing text, alert buttons and graphics.  The EHWO should be utilized as a preparedness tool prior for hazardous weather events and a means of monitoring the severity and coverage during a hazardous weather event.

The Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook (EHWO) provides:

The EWHO integrates the text of the Hazardous Weather Outlook with the graphical representation of expected hazards.  The graphical buttons depict the threat level for a given day.  The button display provides a quick overview of potential hazard risk levels through day 7.  More specific information about expected hazards can be obtained by clicking on the buttons. Additional links to radar, briefings pages, etc, are provided to compliment the hazards graphics.

Each days graphic represents a time frame from 12 UTC to 12 UTC which is 6 am current day to 6 am next day during standard time, and 7 am current day to 7 am next day during daylight savings time.

This section will describe how to navigate through our Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook(HWO) suite of pages.

000
FLUS43 KGID 240844 CCA
HWOGID

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HASTINGS NE
344 AM CDT FRI MAY 24 2013

KSZ005>007-017>019-NEZ039>041-046>049-060>064-072>077-082>087-
250845-
PHILLIPS-SMITH-JEWELL-ROOKS-OSBORNE-MITCHELL-VALLEY-GREELEY-NANCE-
SHERMAN-HOWARD-MERRICK-POLK-DAWSON-BUFFALO-HALL-HAMILTON-YORK-
GOSPER-PHELPS-KEARNEY-ADAMS-CLAY-FILLMORE-FURNAS-HARLAN-FRANKLIN-
WEBSTER-NUCKOLLS-THAYER-
344 AM CDT FRI MAY 24 2013

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTH CENTRAL NEBRASKA AND
PORTIONS OF NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

FOR TODAY...SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS MAY BECOME STRONG AND PRODUCE
NICKEL SIZE HAIL AND WIND GUSTS OF 50 MPH...ESPECIALLY FOR
LOCATIONS WEST OF HIGHWAY 281. TONIGHT...ANOTHER ROUND OF
THUNDERSTORMS IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP ACROSS THE HIGH PLAINS AND
CROSS THE OUTLOOK AREA OVERNIGHT. SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE
POSSIBLE WHICH MAY PRODUCE LARGE HAIL THE SIZE OF QUARTERS AND 60
MPH WINDS.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY.

FROM SATURDAY THROUGH NEXT THURSDAY...THERE ARE SEVERAL CHANCES
FOR THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE OUTLOOK AREA. ALTHOUGH IT IS DIFFICULT
TO PINPOINT THE DAILY DETAILS REGARDING TIMING AND LOCATION...THE
POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR PERIODIC SEVERE STORMS...CAPABLE
OF PRODUCING LARGE HAIL TO AT LEAST THE SIZE OF QUARTERS...WIND
GUSTS TO AT LEAST 60 MPH...AND LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL IN EXCESS OF 2
INCHES.

FOCUSING ON SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT...MORNING STORMS MAY BE
ONGOING ACROSS PARTS OF THE AREA...BEFORE MOVING EAST AND CREATING A
LULL FOR MUCH OF THE DAY. THEN LATE SATURDAY AFTERNOON INTO
SATURDAY EVENING...RENEWED THUNDERSTORM DEVELOPMENT IS
POSSIBLE...POTENTIALLY SEVERE. THE GREATEST RISK OF SEVERE STORMS
FAVORS SOUTH CENTRAL NEBRASKA...WITH SOMEWHAT LESSER CHANCES ACROSS
NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION MAY BE NEEDED TONIGHT.

&&

MORE INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE FOLLOWING WEB PAGE:
   HTTP://WWW.WEATHER.GOV/HASTINGS  (ALL LOWERCASE)

$$