Check weather conditions as part of vacation planning

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By Marlene J. Bohr
 
With warmer weather approaching and the chance for spring and summer storms, the National Weather Service urges people to pay attention to watches and warnings in your area and always be prepared. 
 
Bill Parker, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Shreveport, La., said an excellent source for keeping current is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, otherwise known as NOAA Weather Radio. This is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. The radio continually broadcasts official weather service warnings, watches, forecasts, and other hazard information 24 hours a day, seven days a week. NWR broadcasts warnings and post-event information for all types of hazards including weather, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, forest fires and volcanic activity. It can also broadcast oil spills, nuclear power plant emergencies and national emergencies, such as terrorist attacks.The NWR works with the Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Alert System. NWR is reported to be the most comprehensive weather and emergency information available to the public. 
 
When a tornado watch is called by the National Weather Service, it means that a tornado may develop later, even though the sky may be blue when you hear the watch. Keep up with the latest weather updates if you hear you are under a watch. 
 
When a tornado warning is broadcast, this means a tornado has been sighted. Dark clouds boil in the sky and there may be thunder, lightning, heavy rain and hail. When you see large hail, you may be close to a tornado. Seek shelter and stay away from anything that uses electricity and anything metal, faucets, radiators, sinks and bathtubs. If the power goes out, most NOAA weather radios operate on batteries.
 
 
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