Johns Creek, Georgia, experiences a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. From seasonal flooding and thunderstorms to the risks of tornadoes, extreme heat, and winter storms, understanding local weather patterns is crucial for the safety and preparedness of you and your family. Being informed about weather watches and warnings can make a significant difference in how you respond to potentially hazardous situations in Johns Creek.
Understanding Weather Watches and Warnings
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides essential guidance on understanding weather alerts. It’s important to distinguish between a weather watch and a weather warning:
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch indicates that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop in the Johns Creek area. This means there is a potential for storms that could produce large hail and damaging winds. During a severe thunderstorm watch, it is advised to continue your normal activities but stay informed by monitoring radio, internet, or TV for weather updates.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning, on the other hand, means a severe thunderstorm is currently occurring or is imminent in Johns Creek, based on Doppler radar readings. When a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, immediate action is necessary. Seek shelter indoors in a safe location.
Similarly, NOAA issues alerts for tornado activity:
A Tornado Watch means conditions are right for tornadoes to form, often within severe thunderstorms. Just like with a severe thunderstorm watch, remain vigilant and monitor for updates.
A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado is sighted or indicated by radar in Johns Creek. In this situation, you must take cover immediately to protect yourself from the imminent danger.
Lightning Safety at Johns Creek Parks
For residents enjoying outdoor activities, especially at parks like Ocee and Newtown Park, Johns Creek provides an added layer of safety against lightning. These parks are equipped with lightning prediction devices and sirens that offer advanced warning of potential lightning strikes.
These sophisticated devices continuously monitor the atmosphere’s electrostatic energy up to 15 miles away. They are designed to assess the risk of lightning within a 2-mile radius of the park. When the system detects conditions conducive to lightning, a 15-second siren will sound, accompanied by a flashing strobe light. These sirens may activate periodically as long as threatening conditions persist. When the danger has passed, an “all clear” signal is given by three blasts of the siren, each lasting five seconds. This system significantly enhances lightning safety for park visitors in Johns Creek.
Fulton County FALCON Emergency Alert System
To further enhance community safety, Fulton County utilizes the FALCON system to distribute critical emergency notifications to residents, businesses, and county employees, including those in Johns Creek.
FALCON is a rapid telephone communication service designed to quickly inform citizens about emergency situations. This includes severe weather events, flash flood warnings, tornado warnings, and other urgent alerts relevant to Johns Creek.
All Johns Creek residents are strongly encouraged to register and keep their contact information updated in the FALCON system to ensure they receive timely alerts and stay informed during emergencies.
