Severe Storms Possible Across Carolinas: How To Track Active Vs. Expired Weather Alerts

Axel S�rensen

4 min read

Post on May 31, 2025

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Understanding Weather Alert Systems in the Carolinas

The National Weather Service (NWS) issues various weather alerts to warn the public about impending hazardous weather conditions. Understanding these alerts is the first step in staying safe. Several NWS offices across the Carolinas are responsible for issuing these vital warnings. Here are some key alert types:

• Tornado Warning: An imminent threat of a tornado. Take immediate shelter! This is the most serious warning.
• Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Severe thunderstorms are occurring, producing large hail (at least 1 inch in diameter) and/or damaging winds (at least 58 mph). Seek shelter immediately.
• Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring or is imminent. Immediate action is needed to protect life and property.
• Blizzard Warning: Severe winter storm conditions with heavy snow, strong winds, and low visibility. Stay indoors.
• Winter Storm Warning: Significant snowfall, sleet, and/or freezing rain will occur. Travel is strongly discouraged.

Each alert has a specific severity level and indicates the potential danger. Knowing the difference allows you to take appropriate actions.

Identifying Active Weather Alerts

Finding real-time, active weather alerts is paramount during severe weather events. You can utilize several reliable sources:

Utilizing the NWS Website

The NWS website () provides detailed and up-to-the-minute weather information. Navigate to your specific Carolina county to see active alerts. (Include a screenshot here showing how to navigate the NWS website to find alerts for a specific area in the Carolinas). Look for prominently displayed alerts, often color-coded for urgency.

Weather Apps

Many reliable weather apps offer real-time alert notifications. Popular options include WeatherBug, AccuWeather, and The Weather Channel app. Download one of these and enable location services for instant alerts.

• Steps to check for active alerts on WeatherBug: Open the app, check your local forecast, and look for any active warnings displayed prominently.
• Steps to check for active alerts on AccuWeather: Launch the app, view your location's forecast, and look for alert icons or notifications.
• Steps to check for active alerts on The Weather Channel app: The app uses push notifications to alert you of active weather alerts. Make sure these are enabled in your app settings.

Local News and Television

Local news channels provide continuous updates and often visually display active alerts during severe weather broadcasts. They offer valuable context and interpretation of the warnings.

Active alerts are typically indicated through a combination of bold text, bright colors (often red or orange), and specific alert symbols (e.g., a tornado symbol for a Tornado Warning).

Recognizing Expired Weather Alerts

It's equally important to recognize when a weather alert has expired. Expired alerts are typically indicated by a timestamp showing when the alert ended. The visual cues (colors, bold text) will usually be less prominent or different than those used for active alerts.

Failing to distinguish between active and expired alerts can lead to complacency (ignoring a current threat) or unnecessary panic. Always check the timestamp to ensure the alert is current.

• Visual cues for expired alerts: Often, the color-coding changes to a less urgent color (e.g., from red to yellow), or the alert may be grayed out.
• Textual cues for expired alerts: The alert message will usually state the time the warning expired.

Best Practices for Staying Safe During Severe Storms in the Carolinas

Severe weather can be dangerous. Preparation is key:

• Develop an emergency plan: Determine a safe place in your home to shelter during severe weather (basement or interior room). Establish communication protocols with family members.
• Prepare an emergency kit: Include water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, and a weather radio.
• Stay informed: Continuously monitor weather reports through reliable sources, as discussed above.
• Heed all warnings: Never ignore a weather alert. Evacuate if instructed.

Actionable Steps During Different Severe Weather:

• Tornado: Seek immediate shelter in a sturdy building’s basement or interior room, away from windows.
• Flash Flood: Move to higher ground immediately. Avoid driving through flooded areas.
• Severe Thunderstorm: Go indoors and stay away from windows.

For more detailed information on emergency preparedness, visit .

Conclusion: Stay Informed About Severe Storms in the Carolinas

Staying safe during severe storms requires proactive preparation and consistent monitoring of active weather alerts. Utilizing the NWS website, weather apps, and local news channels ensures you receive timely and accurate information. Remember to distinguish between active and expired alerts to avoid misinterpretations. Stay safe this season by regularly checking for severe storms and following active weather alerts. Don't let an expired alert lull you into a false sense of security; utilize reliable resources to protect yourself and your family. Proactive preparation and responsible use of weather information are crucial for your safety during severe storms possible across the Carolinas.