MELBOURNE N.W.S.

Severe weather occurs in a variety of ways in east central Florida.  The National Weather Service (NWS) in Melbourne is part of a nation-wide network of over 120 weather forecast offices which are entrusted by congress to issue life-saving severe weather warnings to the public.  Specifically, the NWS mission is to:  "Provide weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy.  NWS data and products form a national information database and infrastructure which can be used by other governmental agencies, the private sector, the public and the global community."

Watches and Warnings

Weather watches for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes originate from the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK. The SPC maintains a 24 hour weather watch across the entire U.S. and when conditions become favorable for severe thunderstorm and tornado development, will issue the appropriate severe thunderstorm and/or tornado watches.

Definitions of Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado watches:

• A Severe Thunderstorm Watch- means that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorm   development in and close to the watch area. A severe thunderstorm is defined as a storm producing three quarters of an inch or larger hail, damaging winds and/or measured winds 58 miles an hour or greater. Persons within the watch area should be prepared for later statements and possible warnings should severe weather develop.

• A Tornado Watch- means that conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. Persons within the watch area should be prepared for later statements and possible warnings should tornadoes develop.

What do Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Warnings mean to you?
 

• A Severe Thunderstorm Warning- Is issued by the local National Weather Service office in Melbourne when severe weather is imminent, spotted or detected by radar.  Severe thunderstorms produce three quarters of an inch or larger hail, damaging winds and/or measured winds 58 miles an hour and greater. If a severe thunderstorm approaches your area, move indoors away from windows to a safe location in a home or building where there are four sturdy walls.

• A Tornado Warning- Is issued by the local National Weather Service office in Melbourne when a tornado has been indicated by Doppler radar or spotted. When a tornado warning is issued for your location, move to an interior room with four sturdy walls away from windows and protect your body from debris. If you have a basement, move to it immediately and get under a sturdy work bench or strong structure that could possibly withstand violent winds within a tornado. Report a tornado to local law enforcement or immediately relay the report to the National Weather Service.  If you are in a mobile home, you should move to a safer structure or leave the area if you have time.