Tips for Dealing with Texas Weather Fatigue

by Carl Manning, Red Cross contributor

The endless images of flooded homes and tornado destruction coupled with repeated warnings of what seems like potential doom and gloom can cause people to feel like the world is closing in and there’s nothing they can do about it.

Recent social media posts in Texas bear witness to a mounting stress among those who have watched the string of severe weather go from days to weeks with no immediate end in sight.

Seriously can't stand this damn Texas weather right now!!!and I officially hate rain now!!!

— Jay Pati (@SamoanSavage37) May 15, 2015

Such reaction to stressful situations are normal, even if you haven’t suffered any personal loss, said Jerry Montgomery, who’s overseeing the Red Cross disaster mental health counselors in Texas. “Stress is stress.  Just because you haven’t  lost your home doesn’t mean you’re not experiencing a lot of stress,” the Michigan City, Ind. volunteer said.

Approximately 45 tornadoes of various strengths have hit Texas in the last month. I am really tired of violent weather here now.

— Melissa Patterson (@melissap5405) May 21, 2015

Often people under stress feel physically and mentally drained, get frustrated more quickly and more often.

Ughh.. I'm tired of this bipolar weather.. #Texas #rain #flood #thunderstorm #tornado

— アニメ 悪魔人 (@Anime73199) May 24, 2015

  
   
But there are some things people can do to cope with events over which they have no control.

For instance, during stressful times it’s important to eat properly and maintain a balanced diet, drink plenty of water and get some rest.

Staying connected with friends and family is important because getting support reduces that feeling of being alone.

Another tip is to be patient with those around you and recognize that everyone is stressed and may need time to put their feelings and thoughts in order.

Remain positive and remember having successfully gone through other tough times and reach out when support is needed and help others when they need it.

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Happy National Weatherperson's Day

by Anita Foster, chief communications officer, American Red Cross North Texas Region

As you might imagine, weather is our world at the American Red Cross. We huddle around radars, listen in as storm spotters are in the field and scan Twitter for the most current reports of any severe weather. And who are we listening to? Our DFW Weather teams. In honor of National Weatherperson's Day, we want to express our gratitude to the meteorologists who work around the clock to keep us safe. And here's a little background from the National Weather Service on this special day:

February 5 is National Weatherperson's Day, commemorating the birth of John Jeffries in 1744. Jeffries, one of America's first weather observers, began taking daily weather observations in Boston in 1774 and he took the first balloon observation in 1784. This is a day to recognize the men and women who collectively provide Americans with the best weather, water, and climate forecasts and warning services of any nation.

Follow all of our local weatherpeople on Twitter by following our DFW Weather List!

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Prepare for Flash Flooding in a Flash!

Looking at our forecast for North Texas, no doubt spring is here. Monday and Tuesday have the potential to be severe weather days with the greatest risk calling for Flash Flooding, but tornadoes can't be ruled out. Go ahead and brush up on these flood tips so you'll be ready to take action in a flash. And remember, floods are the costliest and deadliest of all natural disasters. Take no chances with your safety. Turn around. Don't drown.

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