Tulsa Storm Damage Report: Crucial Information For NWS Tracking

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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Types of Damage Reported to the NWS

Accurate reporting of storm damage is crucial for the NWS to understand the severity and impact of weather events. The more detailed your report, the better the NWS can refine its models and issue more effective warnings in the future. Here are some key types of damage to report:

Structural Damage

Structural damage encompasses any harm to buildings and infrastructure. When reporting, be as specific as possible:

• Roof damage: This includes missing shingles, holes in the roof, complete roof collapse, and damage to supporting structures.
• Foundation cracks: Report the location, size, and severity of any cracks in building foundations.
• Window breakage: Note the number of broken windows and whether they were caused by wind, hail, or falling debris.
• Wall damage: Describe any damage to exterior or interior walls, including holes, cracks, or collapses.
• Building collapse: In the event of a complete or partial building collapse, immediately contact emergency services and then report the incident to the NWS.

Examples: Imagine a photograph showing a house with a completely collapsed roof, another showing significant foundation cracks, and a third depicting numerous shattered windows. These images help paint a clearer picture for the NWS. Keywords: Roof damage, foundation damage, structural failure, building collapse, Tulsa storm damage assessment

Damage to Trees and Vegetation

Damage to trees and vegetation can significantly impact communities. Reporting this damage helps the NWS assess the overall impact of the storm:

• Uprooted trees: Report the location and size of uprooted trees, especially if they're blocking roads or impacting power lines.
• Broken branches: Note the number and size of broken branches, particularly if they caused damage to property or injured people.
• Defoliation: Report significant loss of leaves from trees due to high winds or hail.
• Power line damage: Immediately report downed power lines to utility companies and emergency services, then include this information in your NWS report.

Reporting large tree falls that are blocking roads or impacting power lines is especially important, as this information is critical for emergency response. Keywords: Tree damage, downed trees, vegetation damage, power line damage, Tulsa storm damage assessment

Flood and Water Damage

Flooding can cause extensive damage and poses significant risks to life and property. Accurate flood reporting is vital:

• River flooding: Report the river's water level, affected areas, and any resulting damage to homes or businesses.
• Flash flooding: Report the location, extent, and depth of flash flooding, including any infrastructure affected (roads, bridges).
• Urban flooding: Report areas experiencing street flooding, the depth of water, and any damage to vehicles or buildings.
• Basement flooding: Note the depth of water in affected basements, and any damage to belongings or structure.

Providing details about the type of flooding and the extent of the affected area allows the NWS to create a more complete picture of the event. Keywords: Flood damage, flash flood, river flooding, water damage, Tulsa storm damage report

Providing Accurate Location Information for NWS Tracking

Precise location information is critical for the NWS to map damage and understand the storm's path.

Precise Geographic Coordinates

Using latitude and longitude coordinates or a precise street address is crucial. GPS technology makes this easier than ever. The more precise your location data, the more effective the damage assessment will be. Keywords: Geographic coordinates, GPS location, latitude, longitude, accurate reporting, Tulsa storm damage location

Using Mapping Tools and Resources

Utilize online mapping tools such as Google Maps to pinpoint the location of damage. Include detailed descriptions of landmarks and cross-streets to assist in precise location identification. Detailed descriptions of the location are invaluable for damage assessment. Keywords: Online mapping tools, Google Maps, location reporting, damage assessment, Tulsa storm damage mapping

Photographing and Documenting Damage

Visual documentation is essential for the NWS to understand the extent of the damage.

High-Quality Images

Take clear, well-lit photos that show the extent of the damage. Include photos from multiple angles. Well-lit photos showing the extent of damage to structures, vehicles, and landscapes are highly beneficial. Keywords: Storm damage photos, photographic evidence, high-quality images, damage documentation, Tulsa storm pictures

Video Recording

Short videos capturing the aftermath of the storm and the extent of damage can provide valuable additional context. Videos can show the dynamic aspects of the damage, such as flooding or downed power lines, which are difficult to capture in still images. Keywords: Storm damage videos, video evidence, visual documentation, Tulsa storm footage

Conclusion

Accurate and detailed Tulsa storm damage reports are vital for the National Weather Service to improve weather forecasting models and prepare for future events. By providing precise location data, documenting the types and extent of damage with photos and videos, you contribute directly to community safety and preparedness. Submit your detailed Tulsa storm damage report to the NWS today and help make a difference! Remember, even seemingly minor damage can help build a more comprehensive picture of the storm's impact. Your Tulsa storm damage report is crucial for building a safer and more resilient community.