Tornado Safety

Unfortunately, along with the arrival of summer, is the onset of severe weather and tornadoes. Tornadoes are one of Mother Nature's most severe and damaging storms. A tornado can level a structure in a matter of seconds, and wreak havoc for miles.

Tornadoes appear as funnel-shaped clouds in the sky. Once touched down, wind speeds can reach up to 300 mph. A path of destruction can be as wide as a mile, and extend as much as 50 miles or more.

Some tornadoes are clearly visible with debris flying around the base. Others are can be hidden by rain or low hanging clouds. At times, tornadoes develop so rapidly, that little or not warning is available.

The wind may die down and the air become still just before a tornado hits, and usually occur on the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It's not unusual to see clear, blue skies behind a tornado.

Some Tornado Facts:


They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.

They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.

The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.

The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 MPH, but may vary from stationary to 70 MPH.

Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.

Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.

Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.

Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer.

Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can occur at any time.

What To Do In The Event Of A Tornado:

If you are in a structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)

then: Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a 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) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.

If you are in a vehicle, trailer, or mobile home

then: Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

If you are outside with no shelter

then: Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.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. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.