With the upcoming threat of tornadoes and the start of tornado season comingup, now is the time to begin thinking about storm preparations and safety.Tornadoes extend from severe thunderstorms and usually develop from thetrailing end of a storm. The air may become very still before one hits. It isalso not uncommon for the sun to be visible or partially clear skies during atornado. Some are easily seen and detected, while others strike quickly withlittle or no warning.
Some warning signs of a tornado include strong winds with cloud-baserotation, whirling dust and debris, hail and/or heavy rain and a loud rumble orroar that sounds similar to a moving train.
If it is nighttime, look for bright blue- or green-colored flashes near theground. That is an indication of snapped power lines, and an almost sure signof intense wind or a tornado.
Two of the most fundamental precautions that you can take in the event of atornado, no matter where you are, is staying low to or below the ground in aninterior space away from windows and covering your head with your hands andarms.
It is a good idea to prepare a shelter in advance. If you live between theRockies and the Mississippi River and are building or buying a house, it ishighly advisable that you find or build a home with either a storm cellar or aninterior, windowless room close to or below the ground. Store a radio or smallTV, as well as padded blankets or a mattress near or in this room.
It is also a good idea for your family to select a place to meet followingany tornado or storm in case you are separated at the time of the incident.
Phone lines or other modes of communication may be affected by the storm andare not always reliable.
Mobile homes and dwellings without basements or foundations are not a safeplace to be in a tornado. If your community does not have a storm shelter, seeka sturdy building nearby. If there is no time, seek a closet or climb into thebathtub and cover yourself some sort of thick padding, such as a mattress orblankets.
If you live in a house with a finished basement, corner rooms or bathroomsand closets offer extra protection. The more concrete walls or plumbing aroundyou, the better. This reduces the risk of your home caving in on you andbetter protects you from flying debris.
If you are in a high-rise building, such as a skyscraper, apartment buildingor dormitory, go to the lowest level or the most interior part of the buildingyou can find. Avoid elevators and stay away from windows.
One of the worst places to be in the event of a tornado is in a vehicle.
Tornadoes generally track from southwest to northeast or from west to east.
Drive in a right angle to the storm and get a considerable distance away.
However, occasionally tornadoes can take an unpredictable turn in anydirection. If the storm is approaching fast, park your car quickly and seek asturdy building or ditch. Do not stay near any vehicles, as they can easily bepicked up and dropped by the tornado.
Story by AccuWeather.com News Correspondent Gina Cherundolo
