Severe Weather Awareness Week Winding Down...

Saturday, March 8th, is the last day of Severe Weather Awareness Week here in Southeastern North Carolina. And our last topic is public reports.

You can be a great help during severe weather. You can pass on information about dangerous weather to your local law enforcement agency or 911 center and ask them to relay it to the National Weather Service.

Here are some tips, in case you would like to do this in the future.

Remember 3 W's: What, Where and When

Where was the severe weather observed?
When did it occur?
What kind of severe weather was it?

If it was hail, then passs along what size it was. Be sure to compare it to objects like a golfball, softball, or coins.

If it was strong winds, be sure to report the damage.

You can also report damage from heavy rain or lightning.

Mariners can also help by reporting waterspout sightings and other severe weather to the Coast Guard. They can also relay this information to the local National Weather Service.

Quick action and accurate storm reports can help save lives.