Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Know the signs of a tornado and prepare for safety
The seventh deadliest tornado in U.S. history occurred May 22, 2011, in Joplin, Mo. Approximately 50 miles north of the Arkansas border, the Joplin tornado claimed 158 lives and is listed as the costliest tornado in U.S. History, according to the American Meteorological Society. Knowing how to prepare and what kind of shelter to seek during a tornado can help protect you during this severe weather.
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground and is often — although not always — visible as a funnel cloud. Lightening and hail are common in thunderstorms that produce tornadoes. Tornadoes cause extensive damage to structures and disrupt transportation, power, water, gas, communications, and other services in its direct path and in neighboring areas. Related thunderstorms can cause heavy
About 1,200 tornadoes hit the United States every year and every state is at risk. Tornadoes can strike in any season, but occur most often in the spring and summer months. According to FEMA, they can occur at all hours of the day and night, but are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The extent of destruction caused by tornadoes depends on the tornado’s intensity, size, path, time of day, and amount of time it is on the ground. Wind from tornadoes can reach more than 300 miles per hour, and damage paths can be more than 1 mile wide and 50 miles long. Wind from tornadoes can destroy buildings and trees, transform debris They may strike quickly, with little or no warning and may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel. The average tornado moves southwest to northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
Before a tornado occurs, build an emergency kit (including a weather radio) and make an emergency communications plan. This can include identifying safe rooms, storm shelters, or other potential protective locations in your home, work, or other locations you are frequently. Be alert to any changing weather conditions — a dark greenish sky, large hail, a large dark and low-lying cloud (especially if rotating), and a loud roar (similar to a freight train) are all potential signs of a developing tornado. If you see approaching storms or any of the previously mentioned danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.
Knowing the difference between a “tornado watch” and a “tornado warning” is also important. If a “tornado watch” has been issued, it means that tornadoes are possible. You should move to be near enough to a shelter to be able to get there quickly in a few minutes if a warning is issued. During a “tornado watch,” you should remain alert for approaching storms and any change in the status of the storm. If the storm status changes to “tornado warning,” this means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar and shelter should be sought immediately.
After a tornado, if you are trapped do not move. Tap on a wall or pipe, or whistle, so you can be located by by texting or using social media and instructions. Be sure to watch out for downed power lines after a tornado and stay out of damaged buildings and homes until local authorities indicate it is safe. a good idea to photograph the damage to your property.