Severe Weather Systems Expected this Winter

The National Weather Service-Melbourne is predicting a higher-than-normal potential for severe weather in Central Florida this winter. As Floridians, we’re familiar with severe thunderstorms, but the forecast for this winter is expected to be more intense, having a higher chance of rain, strong winds and most importantly – the possibility of nighttime tornados. We want our community to be prepared and stay informed. We have developed the tips below to help you and your family prepare.

Be Prepared

All of Brevard County is at risk for tornados. Remember these steps to preparedness when taking precautions for tornado watches and warnings:

  • Have a place – Identify a safe shelter-in-place location in the strongest interior area of your home, away from windows.
  • Know your risk – Those living in manufactured/mobile homes or RVs/campgrounds are the most susceptible to these storms.
  • Build a kit – Have items stored in your safe place to protect your head and neck in the event of a tornado. You can use pillows, blankets or even a bike helmet.
  • Have a plan – Know how you’ll receive emergency alerts, make sure your family knows your shelter-in-place location, include any pets in your plan.
  • Take action – If a tornado warning is issued for your area, get to your shelter-in-place location.

What to Expect

The kinds of severe thunderstorms the National Weather Service is forecasting include the potential for heavy rain, high winds, hail, flash flooding and possible tornados. 

Stay Informed

To protect yourself and your family, it is important to have multiple ways to receive vital emergency information, here are some ways to do that:

  • AlertBrevard – Sign up for emails, texts or phone calls based on your location. Our community partners, including municipalities and the National Weather Service also issue alerts using this system.
  • Text Alerts – Use your cell phone to text the word BREVARDEOC to the number 888777. These texts are general communications from Brevard County Emergency Management for all Brevard County residents.
  • WEA – Ensure your Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your cell phone are turned on, so if watches or warnings are issued for your area, you’ll be notified.
  • Monitor social media, local news and radio stations for updates.

Watches and Warnings

Know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, take action and get to your shelter-in-place location.

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Do you ever get confused about the difference between a watch and a warning? Let’s use key lime pie, Florida’s official state pie, to learn the difference. One the right, watch, all the ingredients are here and a key lime pie is likely. On the left, warning, a piece of key lime pie. Key lime pie is coming to a table near you.

For more information on Brevard County Emergency Management, visit our Emergency Management website