Know the Hazards
KNOW THE HAZARDS
WEATHER EVENTS OCCASIONALLY SEEN IN DUVAL COUNTY
THUNDERSTORMS��AND����IGHTNING
Thunderstorms can develop any time of the year
in Duval County, but they are most frequent in
late spring through early fall. All thunderstorms
������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
million lightning strikes per year. If you hear
thunder, lightning is close enough to strike.
During a thunderstorm, you should take the
following precautions:
• Go inside or seek shelter immediately
• Avoid objects that conduct electricity
• Get as far away from water as possible
• Avoid open areas and high ground
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM RISK CATEGORIES
��������MARGINA��
(MRGL)
Isolated severe
storms possible
Limited in duration
and/or coverage
and/or intensity
• ������������������������������
• ��������������������������
• Low tornado risk
��������S��IGHT
(SLGT)
Scattered severe
storms possible
Short-lived and/
or not widespread,
isolated intense
storms possible
• One or two tornadoes
• Reports of strong
TORNADOES
A tornado is a column of violently rotating air
that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground.
Lightning and hail are common in thunderstorms
that produce tornadoes. The extent of
destruction caused by a tornado depends on its
intensity, size, path, and amount of time it is on
the ground.
If a tornado warning is issued and you are in a
mobile home, vehicle, or outdoors, get to the
closest substantial shelter. Move to an interior
room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
TORNADO WATCH: Storm conditions indicate
tornadoes are possible in your area. Monitor
radio and television reports for further updates.
TORNADO WARNING: A tornado has been sighted
or indicated by weather radar. Proceed to safe
shelter immediately.
���� City of Jacksonville Emergency Preparedness Guide
winds/wind damage
• ������������������������������������������
��������ENHANCED
(ENH)
Numerous severe
storms possible
More persistent
and/or widespread,
a few intense
• A few tornadoes
• Several reports of
wind damage
• ��������������������������������������
��������MODERATE
(MDT)
Widespread severe
storms likely
Long-lived,
widespread and
intense
• Strong tornadoes
• Widespread wind
damage
• ������������������������������������������
��������HIGH
(HIGH)
Widespread severe
storms expected
Long-lived, very
widespread and
particularly intense
• Tornado outbreak
• Derecho
(widespread, longlived
wind storms)