Fall Tornadoes

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

Tornado touching down in open grassy field.

Fall Tornadoes

The Southern United States has suffered more tornado fatalities than any other part of the country. Some areas experience repeated damaging tornado events, such as the Tennessee Valley and in northern Alabama.  The state of Alabama is tied for the most reported F5 tornadoes.

The second half of October and especially November can often be a second season for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.  These months are the counterpart to spring, when strong fronts and upper-air systems march across the United States.  When enough warm, moist air accompanies these weather systems, the unstable conditions yield severe thunderstorms and sometimes tornadoes.

In the United States over 80 deaths and 1,500 injuries are associated with tornadoes each year.  If you and your family are prepared ahead of time, you’ll be able to take the necessary action steps to survive a tornado and its aftermath.

Tornado safety tips before the storm
1. Be prepared – Tornadoes can strike at any time, 365 days a year, with or without warning. Make sure your family knows your plan of action if a tornado warning is issued for your community. Some things to consider include discussing the best place to take shelter in your home, the difference between watches and warnings, the county you reside in, steps you will take during and after the storm, and creating a safety kit.

Tornado safety tips after the storm
1. If you’re away from your home at the time of the tornado, try to return safely. Listen to news reports to see if you can get up-to-date information about your neighborhood. Watch for fallen debris and power lines, and heed the advice of local authorities.

Staying on top of the weather is imperative.  Having a weather radio with a backup battery and a smartphone app is a way to stay notified of alerts and notifications.  Keeping safe is taking all alerts seriously and staying in your safe place until they have expired.  Remember that tornadoes are possible every single month.  Our weather is unpredictable and even thought numerous watches and warnings have not produced a tornado doesn’t mean that each one will have the same outcome.  Stay prepared and safe.