Severe weather refers to a range of atmospheric conditions characterized by significant and often hazardous phenomena. It encompasses events such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, heavy rainfall, hail, and extreme heat or cold. Severe weather can lead to dangerous situations, causing property damage, disruptions to daily life, and threats to personal safety.
Meteorologically, severe weather is typically defined by specific criteria, such as wind speeds, precipitation amounts, and atmospheric instability. For instance, a thunderstorm may be classified as severe if it produces hail one inch or larger or if it creates winds of 58 miles per hour or greater.
Severe weather watches and warnings are issued by meteorological agencies to alert the public about potential severe conditions, allowing individuals and communities to take necessary precautions to minimize risk and ensure safety. Monitoring severe weather patterns is crucial for understanding climate trends and preparing for natural disasters.
Several counties in West Virginia, including Jackson, Nicholas, Pendleton, Pleasants, Tyler, and Wirt, closed schools due to the winter storm. Grant and Hampshire counties implemented non-traditional learning days to continue…