Latest news with #KellyGodsey
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Severe Weather Awareness Week Day 3: what you need to know about tornadoes
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Day 3 of Severe Weather Awareness Week focuses on tornado and thunderstorm safety. According to the National Weather Service, an average of 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide every year. While tornadoes can happen any time, in any place…the peak season for Florida and surrounding southern states is March through May. Severe Weather Awareness Week: The dangers of rip currents Bay County officials say like with any kind of natural disaster, staying connected and making a plan is the best way to stay prepared 'Being able to receive alerts is the primary of importance. And then the second thing is making sure you have a plan and you know what you're going to do to react to the issuance of a tornado watch or a tornado warning' Bay County manager Bob Majka said. But what is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning? 'Tornado watch is where we want folks to kind of be ready, get that preparedness plan ready, know what you're going to do, and then when a warning is issued, that's when you take action. That's where we want folks to get to that safe place,' National Weather Service representative Kelly Godsey said. In 2024, Florida saw over 100 tornadoes…6 of those hit the Panhandle in January of 2024. Severe Weather Awareness Week: Protect yourself from lightning 'They're really prepared for the hurricanes, but they don't understand that same level of preparedness. Needs to be taken for the other threats that the community faces. And so tornadoes are one of those threats. And you having a disaster plan is just that. It's a disaster plan. It's not a hurricane plan. It's not a flood plan. It's not a snow event plan. It's a disaster plan. And those consequences that the community can face are consistent. And so having that plan is really important,' Majka said. Officials say your disaster plan includes the best place to seek shelter if a tornado comes your way, whether that's in your home or a 2nd location. They also say part of that plan should include checking your home insurance and knowing your coverage before something hits. 'We always encourage people, make sure you understand what your insurance policy covers, understand, you know, what those benefits are.' Tomorrow's topic will be hurricanes & flooding. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Severe Weather Awareness Week: The dangers of rip currents
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Many people believe hurricanes or tornadoes rank as Florida's most dangerous weather phenomena. But the real threat is often unseen. Rip currents take the lives of more Floridians than hurricanes, lightning, and tornadoes combined. 'Rip currents are deadly and a large reason for that is people look at the Gulf and they think of it almost like a lake. And then, you know, they get there and they see two-foot waves and they think, 'well, that's ok, that's not that big of a deal.' And so they get into the Gulf and they feel this tug and then, you know, they start to panic,' Senior Service Hydrologist with the National Weather Service in Tallahassee Kelly Godsey said. Walton County woman loses $129,500 in Bitcoin scam If you are stuck in a rip current, there are steps you should take. 'First thing we tell people is to stay calm. Don't panic. If you're a good swimmer, you can swim parallel to shore and you'll land on a sandbar and you can walk in or just float with the rip current, float with the current. It'll eventually let you go. And you could swim in. If you can float on your back, wave your hands for help. If you see someone struggling in a rip current, if you see someone in the water having a tough time, please do not take any unnecessary risk upon yourself. Activate the 9-1-1 system, call 9-1-1, and have a lifeguard respond to the scene,' PCB Beach Safety Director Daryl Paul said. But officials say bringing awareness to the dangers of rip currents and teaching people how to take proper precautions is the most effective way to keep beach-goers safe. 'Learn the beach flags, know what they mean. The National Weather Service puts out a surf zone forecast each day that contains the forecast for rip currents, for the surf conditions. So the beach conditions, check those out. And as always, listen to local officials. These are folks who know the beach. They work on the beach every day,' Godsey said. With increased preventative measures. Panama City Beach brought down its rescues from 357 in 2023 to 105 in 2024. Officials say these incidents likely would have resulted in drownings if their lifeguards weren't there. 'You have a one in 18 million chance of drowning in front of a properly trained lifeguard. Ok the city has lifeguards stationed here at the Russell Field city pier right across from for your part so please visit this beach this is the shoreline. Please make contact with the lifeguards,' Paul said. Rip currents affect even the strongest of swimmers. You should listen to local officials and stay out of the gulf when instructed. Wednesday's focus is on thunderstorms and tornadoes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
