With the June 1 start of hurricane season knocking at the door, it's a great time to start thinking about emergency preparedness when it comes to severe weather events.
- 'Storm Threat 2016' airs Saturday-Sunday at 7 p.m., Monday at 4 p.m.
- Special program looks at weather patterns, how to be prepared
News 13 presents "Storm Threat 2016: Keeping You Safe." This 30-minute special, hosted by News 13 Chief Meteorologist Bryan Karrick, talks about the upcoming hurricane season, as well as Florida's reputation as the lightning capital of North America, and what researchers are doing to help build better-constructed homes that can withstand hurricane-force winds.
Meteorologist Jamie Martin takes a look at 2016 compared with 1998 in terms of similar weather patters. In 1998, there was a strong El Nino pattern, followed by a strong La Nina pattern. That shift brought drought-like conditions to Central Florida for two months heading into the hot season, and then wildfires lit up at the end of June and into early July of that year.
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One type of weather event that was once difficult to get the word out about was nighttime tornadoes. Meteorologist Mike Simon demonstrates how you can plan and prepare for nighttime storms just by using your smart phone. With the advent of smart phones and devices, as well as the News 13+ app, old-style weather radios can replace your device to give you the latest weather forecast, radar and storm warnings, not only for where you live, but where you are at any given moment.
Meteorologist Maureen McCann talks to local business owners who are part of the "Weather Ready Nation" program. This program certifies local businesses that prepare their facilities and employees to be prepared for all kinds of weather situations. Representatives from Adrenaline Films and the Harris Corporation shared their reasons as to why they're joining this national weather campaign.
If you're outdoors and a storm rolls up, what do you do? The quick answer is "get inside," but what do you do if you're out golfing or at the theme parks? Meteorologist Mallory Nicholls headed to the links to talk to a local golf course and a representative from Camping World Stadium (formerly the Citrus Bowl) about how they prepare for the day ahead, as well as plans they have in place to get people to safety when storms roll in at a moment's notice.
Also profiled in the special is a research facility in Tampa that studies the effects of wind and rain on homes by recreating full-scale reenactments in their warehouse-sized laboratory. A huge array of fans and megawatts of power are the driving force that, in many cases, leads to the destruction of roofs and houses. The research facility at IBHS recreates not only powerful winds in a controlled setting, but can also unleash hail and rain at a rate of up to eight inches per hour.
"Storm Threat 2016: Keeping You Safe" airs Saturday, May 28, and Sunday, May 29, at 7 p.m., and again on Monday, May 30 (Memorial Day) at 4 p.m. on News 13.