Tornadoes: These are violently rotating columns of air, in contact with the ground, that
descend from cumulonimbus clouds. They are often (but not always) visible as a funnel
cloud. Winds near a tornado can be as high as 300 mph. Most tornadoes are less
than a few hundred yards wide, last for a few minutes, and trace a path of a mile or less.
However, there have been tornadoes that were a mile wide, last for an hour or more,
and produce damage paths more than 100 miles long.
Tornado Safety Rules: The main danger from tornadoes is flying debris. Therefore
the best option is to get to a place that provides as much protection as possible. If you
have a basement, seek refuge there and get under a large object, such as a workbench.
If you have no basement, the best place to go is a center room in the house, especially
a bathroom, where the plumbing reinforces the walls. For the best possible protection,
get into the bathtub with a mattress over your body. Stay away from windows. If
caught in the open, find a low place that is not flooded, lie face down and cover your
head.
Hurricanes: A hurricane is a large tropical cyclone with sustained winds exceeding 74
mph that occurs in the Atlantic or eastern Pacific oceans. They are known by a variety
of terms in other parts of the world. The energy source for these storms is warm ocean
water underneath the storm. Sustained winds can range up to 200 mph with higher
gusts, and size can range from 60 to well over 600 miles in diameter. Hurricanes break
up rapidly after they move over land.
Hurricane Safety Rules: Most hurricane damage is caused by the storm surge, which
is high water that piles up ahead of the storm. Most hurricane deaths are caused by
drowning. Therefore the safety rules are similar to that for floods. Leave the danger
area. If that is not possible, get to the highest shelter you can find.
…
Now let’s talk about the difference between a severe weather watch and a warning.
Watch: Issued when the risk of a hazardous weather or warning event has
increased significantly, but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still
uncertain.
Warning: Issued when a hazardous weather or flooding event is occurring, about to
occur, or has a high probability of occurring.
Now it’s up to you to discuss this with your family. It just might save your lives
someday!