Thursday, Severe Weather Awareness Week Focuses on Tornadoes

(KNSI) — Severe Weather Awareness Week continues today with a focus on tornadoes.

The best place to go during a tornado is an interior room on the lowest level of your home or business, such as a closet, bathroom, or hallway away, and stay away from windows. For added protection, get under a sturdy furniture such as a workbench or table and cover yourself with a blanket or sleeping bag. Do not stay in a mobile home. Mobile homes – even with tie-downs are still dangerous places to be. If you are outside or on the road, get to shelter and don’t stay in your car.

A tornado watch means to be prepared as conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. The National Weather Service says know your safe location should a tornado warning be issued.

A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated on radar, meaning a tornado is happening or is expected soon. The Minnesota Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management says this is when it should be automatic to know exactly where to go for safety and to put your plan in place.

A tornado emergency is a rare situation with a severe threat to life and catastrophic damage due to a confirmed violent tornado.

Twice on Thursday, a mock tornado warning will be issued. The sirens will sound at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. so people can practice at work, school, or home where to go and what to do in the event of severe weather.

Meteorologists say the outdoor storm warning sirens are for people who are outdoors, and they are not meant to be heard inside. Inside, they say, it’s best to get a NOAA weather radio or another way to get a warning and information should severe weather strike – especially at night.

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