The National Weather Service has been tracking dangerous weather for some time now. While big events such as tornadoes and hurricanes grab most of the headlines they are not the most deadly weather events that most of us will face in our lifetime. In fact, most of us in South Louisiana face what statistically are the deadliest weather conditions on almost a daily basis.

If you guessed those deadly weather conditions have something to do with heat, you'd be correct. In 2018, 108 residents of these United States lost their lives because of complications brought on by the heat. Another natural phenomenon we are all too familiar with, flooding, is the second most deadly weather event.

I believe the reason we suffer more loss of life because of heat and flood, as opposed to hurricane and tornado, is preparedness. Most of us know how to prepare for a hurricane and we have enough common sense to take shelter during a tornado.

As illustrated just last week, we aren't so smart when it comes to driving into flooded roadways. We were very fortunate there was no loss of life in Acadiana during last weeks high water event. However, there was a fatality reported in Baton Rouge that could be directly attributed to flooding.

The heat, well it's such a part of life in South Louisiana, we really don't give it a second thought. That's when it bites us. That's why we urge you to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks during periods of high heat or heat index. All it takes is one missed water break and you could find yourself in the throes of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Following heat, floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes come lightning, winds, and rip currents as the other most deadly weather events we face. What's really sad about all of this is that in almost every case death and injury can be prevented with a little planning and a lot of common sense.

Our advice, know what Mother Nature has in store for you every day and then be prepared to deal with it or take shelter from it.

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