While many are familiar with common tornado safety tips, there are additional crucial considerations that could enhance your safety during severe weather events. Some well-known suggestions include seeking shelter in a basement, an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows, or an alternate storm shelter when a tornado warning is issued. It’s also advised to wait indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last occurrence of thunder or lightning if they are nearby before going back outside.
Here are some more tips and information to keep in mind when faced with threatening weather conditions:
1. Stay informed about watches and warnings in your area and neighboring counties, especially those to the south, southwest, west, or northwest where severe storms often approach. Understanding the specific parts of your county and its neighbors is crucial as warnings are issued for specific areas.
2. Remember that tornado sirens are primarily meant to alert those outdoors to seek shelter and may not be heard indoors. Rely on multiple sources for alerts, such as NOAA Weather Radio and wireless emergency alerts on your smartphone, which can provide timely and critical information directly to you.
3. Ensure your smartphone is charged and alert settings are enabled to receive important weather notifications, including lightning alerts. Being proactive in setting up your phone to receive alerts can be a lifesaving measure.
4. Be prepared to seek shelter quickly as storms can develop rapidly, especially if strong rotation is detected near your location or if storms are moving swiftly. Don’t delay seeking shelter by trying to visually confirm the weather conditions outside.
5. Even if you do not see a tornado, it is still essential to take shelter immediately when under a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning. Your safety should always be the top priority.
When you receive a tornado warning, your initial reaction might be to look out the window or step outside. However, this is not a good idea for a couple of reasons. First, the tornado could be many miles away but still heading in your direction, making it unlikely that you will see any immediate danger outside. Additionally, if the storm is closer, it may not be easily recognizable as a tornado. Some tornadoes can be hidden by heavy rain or obstructed by trees and hills, making it difficult to spot them.
It is important to take shelter not only for tornado warnings but also for severe thunderstorm warnings. Severe thunderstorms are more common than tornadoes, with thousands of reports of strong winds and large hail each year. Even though tornadoes are less common, they are still a serious threat.
It is essential to note that tornadoes can occur during severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. Just because a severe thunderstorm watch or warning is issued does not mean there is no tornado threat. In some cases, tornadoes can develop with little to no warning in environments conducive to their formation.
Another significant danger during severe weather is falling trees. High winds, even from thunderstorms, can bring down trees, posing a risk to homes and vehicles. It is crucial to seek shelter on the lowest floor, preferably in the basement, if there is a severe thunderstorm or high wind warning. Keeping trees trimmed and removing any dead or leaning trees near your home can help reduce the risk of damage.
Mobile or manufactured homes are not safe shelters during severe weather. These structures are particularly vulnerable to tornadoes and high winds, as evidenced by incidents where homes were destroyed, resulting in injuries and fatalities. It is important to identify a safe shelter before severe weather strikes and to avoid staying in mobile homes during storms.
In summary, it is crucial to take tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings seriously, seek shelter in a secure location, and be aware of the potential dangers posed by severe weather events.
The Storm Prediction Center of NOAA advises that mobile and manufactured homes are not safe shelters during tornadoes or strong winds. If a warning is issued, seek shelter quickly in a community storm shelter or sturdy building. Remember to wear a helmet and shoes for added protection.
During the super outbreak on April 27, 2011, a young boy in Pleasant Grove, Alabama, survived a tornado by wearing a baseball helmet. Experts recommend wearing any type of helmet to protect your head from debris. Taking cover under a table or using a mattress or blanket can provide additional safety. Wear sturdy shoes or boots to protect your feet from sharp debris.
Radar technology can detect tornadoes, even without visual confirmation. Doppler radar can identify tornadic debris, confirming the presence of a tornado. Take radar-confirmed tornado warnings seriously, as they indicate ongoing damage.
Severe weather events often occur in multiple rounds within a day. Be prepared for subsequent rounds of storms after an initial system passes. Stay vigilant until the National Weather Service lifts severe weather alerts in your area.
Hail can also pose a danger during severe thunderstorms. Large hailstones propelled by strong winds can cause damage to vehicles and buildings. Seek shelter indoors when hail is forecasted to avoid potential injuries.
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Be prepared for inclement weather at all times. If you are attending an outdoor event, make sure you are familiar with the nearest building, closed concourse, or shelter in case a storm approaches. Lightning poses a risk even when it is not raining. “Bolts from the blue,” which are lightning strikes that seemingly come out of a clear sky, can occur over 15 miles away from a thunderstorm. To protect yourself from distant lightning strikes, it is essential to stay informed about the weather and use common sense. If the sky is darkening or you hear thunder, seek shelter indoors or in a vehicle immediately until the storm passes. Some weather apps, like The Weather Channel app, can provide lightning alerts when a strike occurs nearby. Jonathan Erdman, a senior meteorologist at weather.com with years of experience, advises on weather safety and shares his expertise on various platforms.
