| Tornadoes...How to Protect Yourself From the Whirlwind |
| Keep informed of the latest
weather information by listening to NOAA Weather Radio and your local
television and radio stations.
Keep an eye on the sky for developing or approaching thunderstorms. Be especially alert for rotating clouds, large hail and a dark sometimes greenish sky. These features indicate the possibility of a tornado within the next 15 minutes. When the National Weather Service issues a TORNADO WATCH it means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes during the next several hours. When a TORNADO WARNING has been issued it means a tornado has been sighted or weather radar indicates a tornado is likely. |
WHEN
TORNADIC STORMS ARE APPROACHING YOUR AREA...
If in a home or building go to a designated shelter. If a tornado shelter is not available go to the lowest floor and to an interior room such as closet or hallway. Stay away from windows. If in a mobile home evacuate to a safer location. Mobile homes offer little or no protection from tornadoes. When tornadoes are near, abandon your motor vehicle. Cars and trucks can be carried away and destroyed by tornadoes. If caught outside with no shelter available, lie flat on the ground and cover your head. Most tornado deaths are caused by flying debris. |
Other Thunderstorm Dangers...
| Lightning
Only floods and tornadoes kill more people than lightning. In addition to causing deaths and injuries lightning is responsible for major forest fires and significant property damage. To avoid being struck by lightning persons should seek shelter, preferably in a strong building, when thunderstorms approach. Remember if caught outside during a thunderstorm NEVER go under a tree or into the water as these locations are especially prone to be hit by lightning. |
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| Damaging Straight-Line Winds or
Downbursts
Thunderstorms can produce winds up to 100 MILES AN HOUR, even without tornadoes. These high winds can destroy property and have been known to cause major airline crashes. High winds can also occur with thunderstorms which produce little rainfall or weak lightning activity. Blowing sand or dust near a thunderstorm is one important clue the storm is causing strong winds. Seek shelter immediately if the winds are heading in in your direction. |
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