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Tornadoes

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Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars and create deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can:

  • Happen anytime and anywhere;
  • Bring intense winds, over 200 MPH; and
  • Look like funnels.

IF YOU ARE UNDER A TORNADO WARNING, FIND A SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY

  • If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
  • Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
  • If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
  • Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
  • Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You're safer in a low, flat location.
  • Watch out for flying debris than can cause injury or death.
  • Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

Resources

Fact Sheets

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A TORNADO THREATENS

Prepare NOW

  • know your area's tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
  • Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel[shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar-similar to a freight train.
  • Sign up for your community's warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
  • Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
  • Identify and practice going to a safe shelter, in the event of high winds, such a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter build to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
  • Participate in a Skywarn weather spotter training class! This class can help you identify different types of storms. Follow our social media for class dates (usually in March or April).