Storms and the Holidays

Last Christmas, travelers had to face severe storms as they enjoyed the festivities. Louisiana witnessed severe dangerous storms and there were considerable wind damages in communities like Lafayette and Jennings. Buildings especially in Jennings were damaged severely due to heavy storms. There were serious damages caused to the roofs and the cinderblocks of buildings.

The storms then took a southward turn to reach Mississippi. Another building in Hattiesburg was damaged, while the vehicles parked nearby were blown out by the wind.

Businessweek.com had reported that heavy rains accompanied by strong winds were expected to sweep New York City, around Christmas time. The reason was that the air bearing moisture was blowing out from the Gulf of Mexico and thus had set the stage for powerful thunderstorms that had spread across the entire Southeast.

The Senior Meteorologist, Alex Sosnowski, reported that the jet was overhead on Christmas night and would thus threaten the adjoining areas, more so because of the intense moisture capacity.

Strong thunderstorms are mostly accompanied by other threats like lightning, downpour and also a few tornadoes, which cause irreparable damage to life and property.  The rains also threaten the already swollen up rivers like the Mississippi.

There were few chances of snow though, thus causing much disappointment to those who like to enjoy activities in the snow.

The State Emergency Service (SES) introduced a few tips in wake of the storms: it is better to weigh light objects down, especially furniture that the wind might pick up, thus causing damage to others.

Emergency kit with the right medicines and other essentials should always be ready at disposal.

Ensuring complete safety of pets and animals is also essential. Vehicles should be moved under covered areas.

If away from home, family or friends should be contacted to prepare the home accordingly.

Storm or no storm, Christmas celebration still continued.