Tornado Safety and Preparedness

It is important to remain alert to signs of an approaching tornado and seek shelter if threatening conditions exist. Look for environmental clues including a dark sky, large hail or a loud roar.

If a warning is issued, move to a pre-designated shelter such as a basement; stay away from windows; get out of automobiles and lie flat in a ditch or depression; do not try to outrun a tornado in your car.

More information on tornadoes and severe weather is available on the Internet:

Tornadoes...Nature's Most Violent Storms: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/tornado.htm

Vortex: Unraveling the Secrets: http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/noaastory/

The high-band FM frequencies commonly referred to as the "weather band" carry NOAA Weather Radio broadcast from National Weather Service Forecast offices. Special NOAA Weather Radio receivers, available at most electronics stores for about the cost of a pair of shoes, can be set to turn on only if a severe weather warning is sent out from an NWS office. A special frequency tone is picked up by the radio, the tone turns the radio on and sounds a brief alarm, followed by the warning information. NOAA Weather Radios are becoming standard equipment in more and more schools, hospitals, nursing homes, churches and synagogues and other public gathering places in tornado alley and throughout the country.

More information is available on the Internet at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr

Current Tornado Watches: http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/watch/index.html