Lake City, Arkansas has been hit by a new tornado warning. With severe thunderstorm alerts and a warning for Tornado, this Thursday, it is important to stay safe.
Tornadoes are narrow, violet columns of air that usually originate from a thunderstorm. Imposing risks to life and property, a tornado can be devastating. And, with the latest tornado warning today, here’s everything you need to keep in mind. Read what is a tornado warning, explore some safety tips, and know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.
What Is A Tornado Warning?
An issued tornado warning implies that a tornado has been sighted in your area. Implying you to “take action now,” a tornado warning means that your area could be hit by a tornado anytime and you must seek help or shelter. This warning poses a serious danger to life and property, as stated by National Weather Services(NWS).
If there’s a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning area, you must stay inside your house, preferably on the lowest floor of a very sturdy building. If you live in a mobile home or are outdoors, make sure to stride toward the closest shelter to take cover. Such warnings are typically issued for a very small area like a small county that can directly be impacted by a tornado.
Tornado Safety Tips: Before, During & After
Once the warning has been issued, it is important to know your next steps. However, one safety tip that remains the same throughout is not to panic.
Here are some tornado safety tips:
What To Do Before?
Track Tornado Warnings: If you reside in a tornado-prone area, make sure to always keep track of tornado warnings. However, because tornadoes can form pretty quickly, they might sometimes hit even before the warning. In this case, learn some tornado signs. Watch for signs like green clouds, funnel clouds, roaring noise, debris flowing around, or large hail. Make sure to also teach these warning signs to your children.
Frequent Tornado Drills: As a family, teach everyone around you what to do when a tornado strikes. This can come quite in handy if you live in a tornado-prone zone.
Dignify Your Safe Space: Before even you hear a tornado warning, always know where you will be hiding in case the disaster strikes. That said, make sure your safe place is in the lowest building of your home and is protected by strong walls. The hiding space should be away from glass, windows, doors, staircase, or anywhere else where the debris could fall.
What To Do During?
Take Shelter: Once you hear a tornado warning, it is best to take action. Start by seeking shelter. You can either take shelter in your hiding spot at home or at your workplace. However, if your house isn’t strongly built, you are outdoors or live in a mobile house, immediately run to your nearest shelter. You can look for underground parking or garages for your RVs, vehicles, or mobile homes.
Keep the Rations Ready: Honestly, you may never know how worse it could get. This is why it is important to stack up all the emergency rations like food, batteries, radio, flashlight, water, and first-aid kit.
What To Do After?
Listen to the Radio: Once the tornado warning subsides and so does the calamity, make sure to still stay in your safe place and listen to local news.
Consider Safety for Yourself & Family: This applies to everyone, including you, your family, and the pets. Make sure no one is hurt. And, if they are, be ready with the first aid.
Tornado Watch vs Tornado Warning: What’s The Difference?
A tornado warning and a tornado watch are two different things. A tornado watch means that you need to be on the watch out. It may be in your area or might not come at all. The watch only means that a tornado can be possible.
A tornado warning implies that a tornado has been spotted in your area and you need to take precautionary actions immediately.
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