Quick: What Do You Do When you Get a Tornado Warning?

Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground, taking on the form of a funnel. Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris.  A tornado can happen anytime and anywhere, bring intense winds of over 200 miles per hour. If you live in an area prone to tornado activity, your ability to respond quickly could save your, and your family’s life, so it’s vital that you know exactly what a tornado warning is, and what to do when you get one.

A Tornado warning is much more serious than a Tornado watch, which “is issued when conditions are favorable, for example, either for a severe thunderstorm or tornadoes,” says AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Dan Kottlowski. “It doesn’t mean severe weather is imminent.”

A WARNING means that either a tornado has been spotted or a radar has picked one up in the immediate area. It is time to act immediately.

According to ready.gov, if you are under a tornado or severe weather warning you must:

• Go to NOAA Weather Radio and your local news or official social media accounts for updated emergency information. Follow the instructions of state, local and tribal officials.
• Go to a safe shelter immediately, such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar or a small interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
• Do not go under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
• Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• If you can’t stay at home, make plans to go to a public shelter.

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