Hazardous Weather Preparedness

Severe weather can occur at any time in any environment. Severe storms may include heavy rains, flooding and flash flooding, damaging winds, tornadoes, hail, and lightning. In our area, severe winter storms may produce hazardous conditions that include freezing rain, sleet, snow, and strong winds.

The Town of Hanover takes hazardous weather preparedness seriously and has taken steps to protect residents and visitors from the inherent of dangers of all severe weather conditions including lightning. The Town of Hanover is a designated National Weather Service StormReady Community. StormReady Communities are better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather through better planning, education, and awareness. No community is storm proof, but StormReady can help communities save lives. 

It is important for our residents, visitors, and community to be aware of and know the dangers and threats posed by severe weather. The Town of Hanover has a robust severe weather and lighting emergency action plan aimed at ensuring that the community is prepared should severe weather occur.

View the Town of Hanover's StormReady Policies and Procedures.

Hazardous Weather Warnings

In order to fully understand any emergency weather warnings or advisories, you may see on the news or online please refer to the National Weather Service Warnings and Advisories for Southern New England Reference Sheet (pdf).

Hurricane Preparedness

Hanover is vulnerable to hurricanes making it vital to have a plan in place in order to stay safe during any event.

Hurricane Warning

Sustained winds ≥ 74 mph (≥ 64 knots) (no gust criteria) associated with a hurricane are expected to affect a coastal or inland zone within 36 hours.

Winter Weather Preparedness

Winter in Hanover can be extreme in certain instances. It is important for year-round residents to brace for winter.

Winter Storm Warning

• More than one predominant hazard
  • Winter weather events having more than one predominant hazard {ie. heavy snow and blowing snow (below blizzard conditions), snow and ice, snow and sleet, sleet and ice, or snow, sleet, and ice} meeting or exceeding warning criteria for at least one of the precipitation elements.
• Snow, Ocean Effect Snow, or Sleet:
  • 6 inches averaged over a forecast zone in a 12-hour period (except 7 inches in Berkshire and Litchfield Counties)
  • 8 inches averaged over a forecast zone in a 24-hour period (except 9 inches in Berkshire and Litchfield Counties)

Summer Weather Preparedness

Hot Summer days can have disastrous effects on human health and wellbeing. Be sure to check out our guides before risking exposure to harmful sun, heat, and waves.

Excessive Heat Warning

Daytime heat indices of ≥ 105°F for 2 or more hours.