Tornadoes can occur any time of the year, but usually occur in the spring and summer. Considered nature’s most violent and erratic storms, they are formed by severe thunderstorms, and consist of whirling winds of up to 300 miles per hour. Tornadoes can sweep through an area, causing serious damage and destruction. In addition to injuries and structural damage, electrical shorts, gas leaks, etc., may create fires or other hazards. Everyone must understand the terminology associated with tornado safety.
What is the difference between a Tornado WATCH and a Tornado WARNING?
A Tornado WATCH is issued by the NOAA Storm Prediction Center meteorologists who watch the weather 24/7 across the entire U.S. for weather conditions that are favorable for tornadoes and severe weather. A watch can cover parts of a state or several states. Watch and prepare for severe weather and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio to know when warnings are issued.
A Tornado WARNING is issued by your local NOAA National Weather Service Forecast Office meteorologists who watch the weather 24/7 over a designated area. This means a tornado has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar and there is a serious threat to life and property to those in the path of the tornado. A tornado warning indicates that you should ACT NOW to find safe shelter! A warning can cover parts of counties or several counties in the path of danger.
Please take the time now to become familiar with shelter areas located in your facility. Should a Tornado WARNING be issued, seek immediate shelter inside a building at your designated shelter area. If you have questions, please contact your respective Building Coordinator.
For more information on how to plan, see the following links:
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/fema_faith-communities_tornado-playbook_0.pdf
https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/article/Tornado