Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Tornado Prediction and Warnings
A
tornado watch
is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when they have determined
that local conditions are ripe for generating tornadoes. Once a tornado watch has been issued, it
is advisable to stay tuned to your local radio and television stations for further updates. If you
live in tornado country, the use of a NOAA weather radio is highly recommended, especially
those models that have a battery backup and can emit an audible warning whenever a severe
weather alert is issued. This is the time to turn on the audible alarm switch on your NOAA ra-
dio to alert you if the watch is upgraded to a warning. Once a tornado watch has been issued,
stay alert using your eyes, ears, and other senses to watch for signs of an approaching tornado,
and make sure you have access to a safe shelter. Watch for unusual behavior on the part of pets
and animals that might be an indication of an approaching tornado.
Once a tornado has been spotted visually, or on weather radar, a
tornado warning
is issued.
Once a warning has been issued, you should take immediate precautions and seek shelter. If
you live in a mobile home or other poorly protected building, you should seek shelter else-
where, if possible. Bring your radio with you to listen for status updates and an “all-clear” sig-
nal when the warning is over.
Note:
Sirens and severe weather alerts may provide advance tornado warnings, but tor-
nadoes can occur in any season and without warning!
Tornado Survival Tips and Strategies
• If you are at home, seek shelter in the bottommost floor, and innermost area, such as
an inner hallway, bathroom, or closet. Stay away from windows, outer walls, and
building corners. Do not waste time opening windows.
• If you have a “safe room” (a specially constructed room protected by reinforced con-
crete and/or steel), a basement, root cellar, or storm cellar, those are the safest places
to be. In the basement, the safest place is under a sturdy table or mattress, and in a
position that is not directly below heavy items on the floor above, such as a refriger-
ator or piano.
• Protect yourself as best as possible. Wear a bicycle or hockey helmet, if you have
one. Crouching in a bathtub or shower stall can provide improved protection, as can
lying under a sturdy table or overturned couch.
• If you are in a car, do not try to outrun a tornado as it can travel at speeds in excess of
70 mph. However, it is worth taking a moment to watch the tornado closely, compar-
ing its motion to a fixed object on the ground, so as to gauge its direction of travel. If
you see it moving to one side or the other, and can travel in the opposite direction,
