At York County SKYWARN, our mission goes beyond observing and reporting severe weather — we believe preparedness saves lives. Whether you’re facing severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, winter storms, tornadoes, or extreme heat, having a plan before disaster strikes can make all the difference.

Weather conditions can change rapidly across York County and the surrounding Susquehanna Valley. Staying informed is your first line of defense.

We strongly encourage residents to monitor official weather information from:

• National Weather Service 
• NOAA Weather Radio 
• Local emergency management agencies 
• Trusted local news outlets 
• Official weather alert apps 

Never rely on a single source for severe weather information.

Every home and vehicle should have a basic emergency preparedness kit ready year-round.

• Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day) 
• Non-perishable food 
• Flashlights & extra batteries 
• Portable phone chargers / power banks 
• First aid kit 
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio 
• Prescription medications 
• Blankets & extra clothing 
• Pet & service animal supplies 
• Important documents stored in waterproof containers 

If you travel frequently, keep emergency supplies in your vehicle:

• Jumper cables 
• Ice scraper 
• Tow strap 
• Portable air compressor 
• Flares or reflective triangles 
• Snacks & water 
• Winter weather gear 

 Preparedness starts at home.

• Safe shelter locations 
• Emergency contact information 
• A designated family meeting place 
• Evacuation routes 
• Plans for children, elderly family members, and pets 
• Backup communication methods if cell service fails 

Practice your emergency plan regularly so everyone knows what to do under stress.

 When thunder roars, go indoors.

• Avoid open fields and tall isolated objects 
• Stay away from windows 
• Do not use corded electronics during lightning 
• Secure outdoor furniture and loose objects 
• Never drive through flooded roadways 

Just a few inches of moving water can sweep away a vehicle.

 Tornadoes can develop quickly with little warning.

• Move to a basement or interior room immediately 
• Stay away from windows 
• Cover your head and neck 
• Mobile homes are NOT safe during tornadoes 
• Do not shelter under highway overpasses 

Know the difference:

• Tornado Watch = Conditions are favorable 
• Tornado Warning = A tornado is occurring or imminent

 Flooding is one of the most dangerous weather threats in Pennsylvania.

• Know if you live in a flood-prone area 
• Never drive around barricades 
• Move to higher ground immediately if flooding develops 
• Keep drains and storm gutters clear 

Floodwaters may contain debris, contaminants, and hidden hazards.

 Winter weather can create dangerous travel and power outage conditions.

• Charge all devices 
• Fuel vehicles 
• Stock food, water, and medications 
• Prepare backup heat sources safely 

• Limit unnecessary travel 
• Dress in layers 
• Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite 
• Keep generators outside and away from windows

 Heat emergencies are often overlooked but can become life-threatening quickly.

• Stay hydrated 
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat 
• Never leave children or pets in vehicles 
• Check on elderly neighbors and vulnerable individuals 
• Wear lightweight clothing

 Businesses, schools, churches, and community organizations should also maintain weather preparedness plans.

• Shelter-in-place procedures 
• Employee notification systems 
• Backup communications 
• Emergency supply caches 
• Continuity of operations planning 

Prepared organizations recover faster and protect lives more effectively.

 Severe weather impacts entire communities — not just individuals. Prepared citizens help reduce strain on first responders and emergency services during major incidents.

At York County SKYWARN, we encourage everyone to:

• Stay informed 
• Stay prepared 
• Stay alert 
• Help protect your community