Warning Signs Of A Tornado

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

When a tornado strikes seemingly out of nowhere, it can cause intense damages - destroying buildings, flipping cars, and sending debris through the air. Knowing the signs of a tornado can help you get to a safe place before it hits.

Warning Signs of a Tornado

If you see these warning signs, go inside immediately and check your local weather announcements for watches or warnings.

• Dark, green tinted sky
• Wall clouds, or a cloud of debris
• A funnel-shaped cloud
• Large hail without rain
• Roaring noise, similar to a freight train
• Unusual calmness of wind

Tornado Watch Vs. Warning

A tornado watch means that the current weather conditions are right for generating a tornado. When these come through, you should keep an eye on the weather announcements for any changes and avoid going outside if possible until it has passed. 

A tornado warning means that a tornado has been identified in the surrounding area and that you should immediately find shelter and take cover.

What Should You Do When A Tornado Hits?

When you get notification that your area is under a tornado warning, you should do the following according to ready.gov:

• If you are near a building, immediately go inside.
• Find a safe room, basement or cellar. If there is no basement, take shelter in a small interior room on the lowest floor of the building.
• Keep away from any windows, doors, or outside walls.
• Keep away from bridges or overpasses - look for low, flat locations to take shelter.
• Be aware of any flying debris that could injure you while outside.
• Be sure to use your arms to protect your head while moving about.

During a tornado, you should do the following:

• Stay in your safe location and do not leave until you know it is safe to do so.
• Better protect yourself from flying or falling debris by putting your arms around your head and neck and barricading furniture or blankets around you to protect from heavy objects.
• Continue listening to your local emergency or weather station for updates.
• If not in a safe building, do not try to outrun tornadoes in a car. Find a relatively sheltered, low place where you can put your arms over your head and crouch.

What Do You Do After?

• Continue listening for weather updates to ensure the worst is really over.
• If you are trapped, cover your mouth to try and not breath in dust or debris. Try and send a text, bang on a wall or a pipe, or whistle rather than shouting for help.
• Stay clear of any fallen power lines or trees.
• Do not reenter buildings that have been damaged until you're told it is safe.
• When cleaning up debris, be sure to wear thick gloves and work boots.
• Call your insurance company if your home or business has been damaged by the tornado.

When a tornado comes through your area, it can be a scary experience and can become overwhelming when it damages your home or business. After making the call to your insurance company, you should also call a storm damage restoration company to clean up debris, handle water damage, and repair any structural issues caused by the tornado.