A tornado warning is a weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings are issued for specific areas and times, and they are intended to alert people to the immediate danger of a tornado.
What are the signs of a tornado?
There are a number of signs that a tornado may be approaching, including:
- A dark, rotating cloud
- A loud roar, like a freight train
- A sudden drop in air pressure
- A strong, persistent wind
- Flying debris
What should you do if you receive a tornado warning?
If you receive a tornado warning, take the following steps to protect yourself:
- Seek shelter immediately. The safest place to be during a tornado is in an underground shelter or basement. If you do not have access to an underground shelter, go to the lowest level of your home or building, away from windows and doors.
- Get under a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a table or desk. Cover your head and neck with your arms.
- Stay away from windows and doors.
- Do not try to drive away from a tornado. Tornadoes can travel up to 70 miles per hour, and it is not safe to try to outrun them.
What are the different types of tornado warnings?
There are two types of tornado warnings:
- Tornado Watch: A tornado watch is issued when weather conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. A tornado watch does not mean that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar, but it does mean that you should be on the lookout for the signs of a tornado and have a plan in place in case one does occur.
- Tornado Warning: A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. A tornado warning means that a tornado is imminent or already occurring.
How can I stay safe from tornadoes?
There are a number of things you can do to stay safe from tornadoes, including:
- Have a plan in place. Know where you will go and what you will do if a tornado warning is issued.
- Stay informed. Monitor weather reports and be aware of the weather conditions in your area.
- Be prepared. Have a survival kit ready that includes food, water, first aid supplies, and other essentials.
- Be aware of the signs of a tornado. If you see any of the signs of a tornado, take shelter immediately.
Tornados are a serious threat, but by taking the necessary precautions, you can help to protect yourself and your family.
Tornado Warning: What to Do and What Channels to Watch
A tornado warning is a serious weather alert issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornadoes are one of the most destructive natural disasters, and they can cause widespread damage and loss of life.
If you receive a tornado warning, it is important to take action immediately. The first thing you should do is find a safe place to shelter. This could be a basement, an interior room without windows, or a sturdy building. Once you are in a safe place, you should turn on your TV and tune to a local news channel. These channels will provide updates on the storm and instructions on what to do next.
Some TV channels that may broadcast tornado warnings include:
- ABC
- CBS
- NBC
- FOX
- The Weather Channel
- CNN
- MSNBC
- Local news channels
It is important to note that not all TV channels will broadcast tornado warnings. If you are unsure whether or not a particular channel will broadcast warnings, you can always check their website or social media pages.
In addition to watching TV, there are other things you can do to stay safe during a tornado warning. These include:
- Stay away from windows
- Stay off the phone
- Avoid using elevators
- Bring pets inside
- Have a plan for what you will do if you need to evacuate your home
By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself and your family safe during a tornado warning.
Here are some additional tips for staying safe during a tornado:
- Have a plan for what you will do if a tornado warning is issued. This plan should include a safe place to shelter, as well as a way to communicate with family members.
- Stay informed about the weather. You can do this by listening to the radio, watching TV, or checking online weather reports.
- Be aware of your surroundings. If you see a tornado, take shelter immediately.
- Do not try to drive through a tornado. Tornadoes can cause cars to flip over or be swept away.
- If you are outside and a tornado warning is issued, find a ditch or other low-lying area to lie down in. Protect your head with your hands.
After a tornado:
- Stay away from damaged areas. There may be downed power lines, broken glass, and other hazards.
- Listen to the radio or TV for updates on the situation.
- Help your neighbors if they need it.
- Report any damage to your insurance company.
By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself and your family safe during a tornado.