What Are The Warning Signs of A Tornado?

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Finding safe shelter is the most important thing to do when you have a tornado warning in your area.

Warning Signs of a Tornado

If you see these warning signs of a tornado, go inside immediately and check your local weather announcements for watches or warnings. Tornadoes can hit seemingly out of nowhere and destroy everything in their path - flipping cars, uprooting trees, and even taking the roof off of homes or businesses.

• 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

What’s The Difference Between A Tornado Watch Vs. Warning?

A tornado watch means that the current outdoor weather conditions are just right for a tornado to form. When you receive notification of a warning, you should continue watching your local weather announcements and avoid going outside until you’ve been told it has passed. 

A tornado warning means that the weather is right for a tornado and one has been identified in your surrounding area. When you receive notification of a warning, immediately find shelter and take cover. 

What Should You Do When A Tornado Hits?

If you have a tornado warning in your area, according to ready.gov you should do the following:

• Go inside the nearest building if possible.
• Go to 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.
• Stay away from all windows, doors, or outside walls.
• Stay away from bridges or overpasses if possible - look for low, flat locations to take shelter if you’re outside or in your car.
• Stay aware of any flying debris that can injure you if you are outside.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck regardless of where you are. 

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.
• Listen to your local emergency or weather station for updates.
• 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 be sure nothing else is coming your way.
• If you are trapped, cover your mouth to try and not breath in dust or debris. Send a text, bang on a wall or a pipe, or whistle instead of yelling for help.
• Stay clear of any fallen power lines or trees.
• Do not reenter buildings that have been damaged until you're told they are safe (This will likely not be the same day).
• When cleaning up any debris, be sure to wear thick gloves and work boots for safety.
• Call your insurance company if your home or business has been damaged by the tornado.

Need Help After A Storm? Call SERVPRO- 800-734-3213

SERVPRO of Old Saybrook is a 24/7 damage restoration company specializing in water damage, storm damage, fire damage, and mold remediation. Whatever the disaster, we work hard to make it "Like it never even happened."