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A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. Tornado intensities are classified on the Enhanced Fugita Scale with ratings from EF0 which is the weakest, to EF5 which is the strongest. They are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees and hurling objects through the air like deadly missiles. Although severe tornadoes are more common in the Plains States, tornadoes have been reported in every state.
Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives!
A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately underground to a basement, storm cellar or an interior room (closet, hallway or bathroom).
An exceedingly rare tornado warning issued when there is a severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage from an imminent or ongoing tornado. This tornado warning is reserved for situations when a reliable source confirms a tornado, or there is clear radar evidence of the existence of a damaging tornado, such as the observation of debris.
During any storm, listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about watches and warnings. Polk County uses CodeRed to warn residents about tornados, consider signing up for this free service. Pick a safe room in your home where household members and pets may gather during a tornado. This should be a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Practice periodic tornado drills so that everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching. Prepare for high winds by removing diseased and damaged limbs from trees. Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile.
Dark, often greenish clouds, a phenomenon caused by hail. Wall cloud, an isolated lowering of the base of a thunderstorm, cloud of debris, large hail, funnel cloud, a visible rotating extension of the cloud base roaring noise.
The safest place to be is an underground shelter or a, basement or safe room. If no underground shelter or safe room is available, a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building is the safest alternative. Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes or other severe winds. Do not seek shelter in a hallway or bathroom of a mobile home. If you have access to a sturdy shelter or a vehicle, abandon your mobile home immediately. Go to the nearest sturdy building or shelter immediately, using your seat belt if driving.
Do not wait until you see the tornado. If you are caught outdoors, seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building. If you cannot quickly walk to a shelter:
Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If flying debris occurs while you are driving, pull over and park. Now you have the following options as a last resort:
Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows, covering with your hands and a blanket if possible. If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, exit your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands. Your choice should be driven by your specific circumstances.
Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for update information and instructions. If you are away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes when examining your walls, doors, staircases and windows for damage. Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and report them to the utility company immediately. Stay out of damaged buildings. Use battery-powered flashlights when examining buildings—do NOT use candles. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone out of the building quickly and call the gas company or fire department. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims. Use the telephone only for emergency calls. Keep all of your animals under your direct control. Clean up spilled medications, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids that could become a fire hazard. Check for injuries. If you are trained, provide first aid to persons in need until emergency responders arrive.
