Tornadoes

Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms.  A tornado appears as a rotating funnel shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with winds that can reach 300 miles per hour.  The path of a tornado can be over a mile wide and extend for over 50 miles.  Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that advance warning is not possible. 

Facts about Tornadoes: 

• They may strike quickly with little or no warning 
• Tornadoes typically develop near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm 
• They may appear transparent until dust and debris are picked up or clouds form inside the funnel 
• Typical tornadoes move in the general direction from Southwest to Northeast, but they have been known to move in any direction 

Tornado Watch 

The National Weather Service issues a tornado watch when weather conditions indicate that a tornado is possible. When a tornado watch is issued, persons in the watch area should: 

• Monitor local commercial media for tornado emergency information, updates and instructions 
• Look for approaching storms 
• Look and listen for the following danger signs:
  • Dark, often greenish sky, large hail 
  • A large, dark, low-lying cloud - particularly if rotating 
  • A loud rumbling roar similar to a freight train 

If you see an approaching storm or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.  

Tornado Warning  

The National Weather Service issues a tornado warning when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado sirens may be activated when a tornado is sighted nearby. When a tornado warning is issued or the siren sounds, persons should seek shelter immediately 

If indoors: 

• Go to a pre-designated safe room, basement, storm cellar or the lowest building level.  If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) 
• Stay away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls 
• Put as many walls (and levels above) as possible between you and the outside 
• Get under a sturdy table and cover you neck and head with your arms 
• Do not open doors or windows 

If outside with no shelter: 

• Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter 
• If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park 
• Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows; cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible 
• If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, leave your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands 
• Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location 
• Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck   
• Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.