March is the start of “Tornado Season” across the United States, in which the months of March, April, and May historically have the highest number of Tornados. This is due to the change from cold to warm weather. In this area of the U.S., cold air from the North and Western Rockies collides with the moist air from the Gulf. This all takes place during a thunderstorm.
What is a Tornado?
According to NOAA and The National Weather Service, Tornadoes are “violently rotating columns of air, extending from a thunderstorm, which are in contact with the ground. Tornadoes develop when wind variations with height support rotation in the updraft.” They can come in many shapes, sizes, and intensities. You can learn more about Tornadoes from NOAA by watching this video.
How will I know there is an active Tornado?
The National Weather Service will issue a Tornado Warning, and the local forecast office will push out an alert. You can receive these through a wireless emergency alert on your cell phone. Make sure that emergency or government alerts are enabled on your device. All radio and cable networks will also broadcast this announcement. Another great way to stay weather aware for Lexington-Fayette County residents is to sign up for LEXALERTS.
What does a Tornado look or sound like?
During an active Tornado there is often moving debris that can be heard hitting surrounding objects or property. This is often described as a grinding or crashing sound. A strong wind followed by sudden silence or calm can be an indicator that the Tornado has moved towards your location. A Tornado cycling through would be extremely loud. It has been described as sounding like a freight train or a jet engine with continuous “roaring.”
In the sky, there are often low-hanging cloud walls that seem to be rotating. The actual funnel area of the storm can be a multitude of different sizes and shapes. It is important to remember even small funnels have the potential to be dangerous to life and property. A greenish tint to the sky is also often seen, but not always necessary for a Tornado to occur.
When are Tornados most dangerous to life?
Tornados can occur at any time of the year or day, but they most frequently occur from 4 to 9 p.m., March through June. It is important to remember that flying debris causes the most injuries and fatalities. Nocturnal Tornados (ones that occur at night) are nearly twice as likely to cause casualties than during the day. This is because Tornadoes are harder to see at night, and many people in the path of the Tornado are asleep and unaware. It is crucial to be aware of the potential risks of a Tornado even at night. As well as having access to alerts that could wake you up if needed. Stay weather aware, it could save your life!
Ways you can be prepared
Have a plan! Where will you and your household go in case of a Tornado? The best place to be is in the lowest part of the house or building, away from potential flying debris. In this area, you should have your emergency preparation kits. You can find examples and how-to guides here. Keep your emergency preparedness kits in your Tornado safety area.
A few other things that are important to have in the house/your Tornado shelter area would be safe storage of food/nonperishables, a generator in case of power failure/outage, a change of clothes for everyone in the household, and a place for important documents. Have an extra copy of all things like insurance, IDs, birth certificates, etc., and put them in a storm/fireproof document box.
Homeowners may also want to prepare their property for the upcoming storm season. This could include trimming back limbs on trees or removing dead trees to reduce the risk of falling and causing damage. You can also clean and prepare your basement, storm cellar, or storm safe area. As well as checking the roof for repairs can prevent leaking or other severe damage from a storm, and ensuring the gutters are cleaned and free from blockage.
Reminders
Go to the lowest part of the building, and away from windows. Such as a basement or first-floor bathroom. Remember to be away from possible flying debris.
Also, remember to bring your pets inside and to this safe area. You may also want to ensure you have a family communication plan. A family communication plan for a Tornado helps everyone stay safe and connected during an emergency. First, family members should decide on a safe meeting place in the home, such as a basement or an interior room without windows, where everyone will go when a Tornado Warning is issued. The plan should also include a list of important phone numbers and a designated out-of-town contact person that family members can call or text if they become separated. Families should practice the plan regularly so that everyone, including children, understands what to do quickly. Having a clear communication plan reduces confusion and helps ensure that everyone can account for each other during and after a Tornado.
Article by: Samantha Sapp
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