Tips on what to do in the event of a tornado warning. This week Florida received an unprecedented amount of severe weather that resulted in several deaths and injuries. There were Three distinct periods of severe weather where Tornado watches were posted. Out of these three incidents, damaging tornadoes formed all three times. The latest event was Sunday night where an EF1 tornado touched down in Hobe Sound, Florida. Fortunately, there were no deaths in this incident but there was some damage.
Although this type of activity is unusual for this time of year, it is more common in years of a strong El Nino like the one we are in now. Severe Winter weather can be more common when these type of atmospheric conditions are present. Like hurricanes, a tornado can form in almost any month although in Florida they are more common during the summer rainy season. Most tornadoes in Florida are usually weak and short lived, unlike the ones that form in the Mid West. Even so, that does not mean that they cannot cause damage. Tornados can form in almost any state up and down the East Coast when strong fronts create squall lines.
Many of us simply discount a tornado watch as another false forecast and assume it will not happen. It is this type of thinking that can end your life. You should always take a tornado watch seriously. A watch means that tornadoes are possible within the watch area. If a tornado warning is issued, take action immediately. Although many warnings are nothing more than cyclonic signatures in the clouds, we have seen this week that it does not take much for these clouds to come to the ground and cause lots of damage.
Most deaths in tornadoes are from people who live in mobile homes. Any mobile home, RV, camper or vehicle is not safe in a tornado warning situation. If you receive a tornado warning through the NOAA Weather Radio that you should have, you should not remain in the mobile home. If you live in such a home, have a plan. If your park has a sturdy clubhouse or office, take shelter there. If not, head to a nearby ditch or culvert and lie flat. Do Not Remain In The Mobile Home, RV, or Vehicle!!
Planning is very important when you live in a mobile home park. The fact that many tornadoes come at night and are often difficult to see makes it extremely important to own a NOAA Weather Radio. Many people actually own these devices and do not use them because they do not want to bother setting them up. Some folks find the weekly test “annoying” . This type of thinking could cost you your life.
These radios are available almost everywhere for as little as 29.00 or so. They will last a lifetime and offer warnings as soon as they are released. Lots of folks say that they are going to use their phone app. Although better than nothing, apps often have a couple minutes delay and that delay could be the difference between life and death. Using apps as your only means of warnings can create lots of problems.
In this day of crazy and unpredictable weather, it is important to be prepared and ready for a weather emergency at a moment’s notice.
If you have pets and a tornado watch is issued, have your pet carriers ready to go at a moment’s notice in case a warning is issued. Often times pets are left behind with bad consequences.
If you are caught in a tornado situation and a warning was never issued, you might not have time to react quickly and safely. In a case such as this, protect yourself with a mattress or pillows or pretty much anything that would help you if an object fell or was blown on you.
If you are in a sturdy structure, remain in the structure and go an interior closet or hallway away from windows.
The good news is that many of us will never have to see the wrath of a tornado but if you do, a little know how and planning can go a long way.
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