NWS On Tornadoes....

[Johnny]

Written by NWS Lubbock ... Continuing severe weather awareness week in Texas...

... Tornadoes...

A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and pendant from a thunderstorm. An average of 1000 tornadoes develop across the United States annually. These tornadoes kill more than 60 americans and injure another 1500 in a typical year. More tornadoes historically occur during the month of may than any other month. In fact... the record for the most tornadoes in any single month was set in may 2003... with 516 tornadoes confirmed. Those tornadoes claimed 39 lives.

Texas ranks first in the country in the average number of reported tornadoes with more than 130 occurring each year across the state. Tornadoes are most likely to develop across Texas in the Spring months during the afternoon and evening hours. However... as long as the necessary ingredients are present... tornadoes can develop during any month of the year and at any time of the day.

Tornadoes are classified by the damage they produce... which is determined by surveying impacted structures within their paths. The three classification categories are weak... strong... and violent. Tornadoes may move forward at speeds of up to 70 mph but some may remain nearly stationary. Regardless of their strength... appearance... or forward speed... all tornadoes are dangerous.

There are a number of things you can do to increase your odds of surviving a tornado depending on where you are when severe weather threatens. Bending over and kissing your ass goodbye is a good start. If at home... take shelter in a predetermined safe place such as a basement or storm cellar. Get under something heavy. If no such place is available... then move into a small interior room on the lowest floor such as a closet or bathroom. Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible. Leave Mobile homes for a sturdier structure.

If in your vehicle... go to a nearby sturdy building. If there is no building nearby and you are in immediate danger from the tornado then find a low spot such as a ditch or ravine. Lie low and cover your head with your arms and hands. Do not stop at overpasses and attempt to wait out the tornado.

Most importantly... stay informed of developing severe weather events and know what to expect and when to expect it. A weather radio with tone alert feature will provide you with this vital information 24 hours a day. One with a battery backup is suggested in the case of a power outage.

Have a predetermined plan of action that everyone in your home knows and practice this plan as severe weather season approaches. Your local National Weather Service office or American Red Cross chapter can provide you with the information necessary to develop such a plan.

[wx247]

I believe the Department of Homeland Security also has a natural disaster plan available as well as FEMA.