Weather Procedures and Guidelines
Winter Weather
All daytime (before 5 p.m.) programs will be canceled when Westerville City Schools are closed due to inclement weather. Cancellation of evening programs (after 5 p.m.) will be determined by 4 p.m. On weekends and non-school days, programs will be canceled if Franklin County declares a Level 2 or above snow emergency. Older Adult transportation services to doctor’s appointments and shopping will be determined by staff.
Thunderstorms, Lightning and Severe Weather
Outdoor programs and activities will be suspended or postponed if a thunderstorm is imminent, or if lightning is seen (or recognized) or thunder is heard. Staff, officials or volunteers will direct participants and spectators to the nearest safe location. Activity will be suspended at least 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning is seen or thunder is heard. Activity will resume after staff, officials or volunteers provide an “all-clear” signal.
Tornadoes
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Tornado Watch – The environmental conditions are favorable to tornado development.
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Tornado Warning/Sound of Siren – A tornado has been sighted or detected by radar. Sirens will sound approximately three to five minutes after tornado conditions indicate a possible touchdown. Sirens are activated when the National Weather Service issues a warning.
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General Information
- Tornadoes usually occur from April through September
- Threatening signs of a tornado are:
- A significant buildup of fast-moving thunderhead clouds
- A dark, almost green sky
- Strong winds from the southwest
- Heavy rains
- Small interior rooms, such as restrooms, locker rooms and store rooms, without windows, provide maximum protection.
Site-specific Severe Weather Protection Areas- When assisting patrons to specific weather protection areas upon hearing thunder/sirens or seeing lightning, some adults and/or children may resist and want to leave. Adults, although advised not to go, may make their own decision and leave at their own risk. Children under the age of 18, however, unless a responsible adult accompanies them, must stay until conditions are safe.
Air Quality Advisory
The Air Quality Index is a tool to report daily air quality. This will inform you about the level of pollutants in your air and their associated health effects. Staff should visit Airnow.gov and use the search feature to pull up Westerville, OH. The following are the Air Quality Index Levels:
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0-99 (Green/Yellow Zone): No Action Required
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100-149 (Orange Zone): Begin monitoring Air Quality Levels
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150-199 (Red Zone): Action Required
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200-299 (Purple Zone): Action Required
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300+ (Maroon Zone)
Excessive Heat
Extreme heat can lead to heat-related illnesses or exacerbate existing health conditions. The Heat Index is a resource the National Weather Service utilizes to measure how hot it feels outside. Staff should visit Weather.gov and use the search feature to retrieve information for Westerville, OH. Once there, the staff will look at the Heat Index for Westerville. The following guidelines apply to all programs, events and activities during extreme heat conditions:
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80 - 89 Heat Index - Use caution. No changes to activities, but staff, participants and spectators are encouraged to stay hydrated and take breaks.
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90 - 104 Heat Index - Use extreme caution. Activities will continue as scheduled, but staff, participants and spectators are encouraged to stay hydrated, take breaks and make modifications to activities, if appropriate.
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105 and higher - Danger. Activities will either be moved inside or canceled.
Communications
The Department will issue cancellation announcements on the City’s website, as well as on social media platforms.
