NWS's Severe Local Storm Warning and Disaster Preparedness Programs

Abstract

Severe local storms (tornadoes, waterspouts, and thunderstorms accompanied by large hail and/or damaging winds) kill more than 100 persons and injure several thousands more, on the average, each year. In an attempt to reduce the casualties from these storms the National Weather Service's Severe Local Storm Warning and Disaster Preparedness Programs were developed. This paper gives an overview of these important operational programs.