Purpose:
Weatherford ISD uses a custom weather monitoring tool that provides campus specific alerts and direct access to a meteorologist. While not every possible situation is covered by this document, it provides information about our action plans for mitigating risks caused by inclement weather. Weather monitoring and our responses to dangerous weather events are key components of our emergency management posture.
The majority of the material listed below focuses on thunderstorms and the hazards these storms produce – damaging winds, lightning, hail, tornadoes, flash floods and winter weather.
Weatherford ISD’s priorities during emergent events are outlined below:
Lightning
The DFW area averages over 46 thunderstorm days per year. By definition, a thunderstorm contains lightning. Lightning poses a significant threat to anyone outdoors. Perry Weather and our Pocket Perry Weather application offers detailed storm prediction and lightening alerts for our district.
Lightning Advisory / Lightning Caution
Indicates lightning has occurred within a 10 - 30 mile radius of a campus or district area, and the potential exists for the storm to move closer to the area. The Advisory or Caution will stay in effect until the threat of lightning is no longer within indicated range.
When an Advisory or Caution is issued during the school day, the following shall occur on the campus:
Students and staff are allowed to stay outside in their activity during an Advisory or Caution.
Lightning Warning
Indicates lightning is now moving within 10 miles of a campus or district area.
When a warning is issued during the school day the following shall occur on the campus:
If a warning occurs at the end of the school day, each campus under the warning shall adhere to the follow procedures until the warning has been lifted:
Flash Floods
Flash flooding is the rapid rise – usually six hours or less – of water along a stream or low lying urban area. Flash floods are a common occurrence across Parker County. Some of our communities are located in close proximity to the Brazos River which makes our region particularly susceptible to flash flooding.
When there is the possibility of flash flooding, the National Weather Service will issue a Flash Flood Watch. A Watch means conditions are favorable for flash flooding. You should continue with your daily routine, but know what to do if a Flash Flood Warning is issued. A Flash Flood Warning means the flooding is imminent or occurring.
Action must be taken to protect life and property! Flooding is a weather-related killer, averaging 150 deaths per year nationally. Half of these deaths occur in automobiles.
Major river flooding generally is well forecasted with warnings issued early enough that school officials can plan their strategy for school bus operations. We have learned from past incidents that Horseshoe Bend and Rio Brazos neighborhoods are particularly prone to flooding and route modification will be considered when the Brazos River reaches levels above 18’ and additional rain is expected. Over flow water release from Possum Kingdom Lake may also cause flooding to Horseshoe Bend and Rio Brazos Communities.
Brazos River water levels can be viewed by clicking on the following NOAA link:
https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=fwd&gage=dnnt2&refresh=true
The Brazos River Authority provides updates and warnings on their Facebook page. The link is listed below:
Alternate Locations during Flood Warning Events:
Route changes will be communicated by WISD’s Communications Department and the Transportation office.
Tornadoes
Severe thunderstorms are those storms which produce winds of 58 mph or greater and/or hail of 1 inch in diameter or larger.
Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air attached to the cloud base above and in contact with the ground below. Severe weather events and Tornadoes are common in North Texas. Keep in mind, that although most common during the warm weather months, severe weather can strike during any season.
If conditions are favorable for severe weather, the National Weather Service will issue either a Severe Thunderstorm Watch or Tornado Watch. Again, a Watch means severe weather is possible. Continue with your daily routine but be alert for the issuance of a severe thunderstorm warning. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning means that severe thunderstorms or tornadoes respectively are imminent or occurring. Take cover now to protect life and property!
Winter Weather
Extreme winter weather takes a toll on lives and property throughout many portions of the United States. Heavy snow and freezing rain are responsible for numerous traffic fatalities each year. Moreover, hundreds of deaths and injuries from hypothermia, exposure, and frostbite are reported each year as bitter cold air masses plunge into the United States during the winter.
Many people are still injured or killed despite a long history of extreme winter weather activity in our region. Of all winter deaths related to ice and snow, 70 percent occur in motor vehicle accidents and 25 percent are people caught out in the storm.
When extremely cold temperatures are accompanied by wind, an especially dangerous situation exists. The Wind Chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the 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, leading to frostbite and/or hyperthermia.
Excessive Heat
In our region extreme heat may last through September. Like wind to cold, humidity adds to the effects of heat. A "heat index" is used to combine these effects. The National Weather Service will issue a heat advisory when the “heat index” is expected to reach 95F and an excessive heat warning when it is expected to reach or exceed 105F. At temperatures of 95F and greater, heat disorders such as cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke are possible. Students should be kept out of the sun and strenuous activities should be eliminated. Encourage students to drink plenty of water and wear light-colored, lightweight clothing. School staff should familiarize themselves with the symptoms of heat disorders and first aid procedures.
Conclusion:
Our goal is to ensure that every student's safety is adequately accounted for when the weather turns severe. Only through awareness and preparedness, can the safety of all school children and personnel be assured.