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Tornado Watch VS. Tornado Warning: Know The Difference
5/30/2021 (Permalink)
Storm watch vs. warning: protect yourself from storm damage
Weather can change in an instant in Charlotte,NC , and you must be prepared when storms arise. Tornadoes can occur frequently in North Carolina. A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. Tornadoes can be deadly. They are capable of completely destroying structures, uprooting trees and hurling objects as large as cars and houses through the air. Tornadoes can occur any time of year, but they are most common during tornado season, which is March through June. Tornadoes are most common in the central plains and the southeastern United States but have been reported in all 50 US states, including North Carolina. In fact, we have seen tornadoes as recently as a few weeks ago!
If you know what to do before, during, and after a tornado, you can minimize your risk of injury. Being prepared begins with knowing when to properly take precautions during stormy weather. Stormy weather can quickly escalate from a tornado watch to a tornado warning.
Tornado Watch
A tornado watch means be prepared! Tornado watches are issued by county storm prediction sites, as they monitor severe weather. These sites will tell you whether tornadoes are possible in your area. If your area is in a tornado watch, first of all, remain calm. Take action by reviewing and discussing your emergency plans. Additionally, check on your supplies and make sure they are up to date, and make sure your safe room is ready if a tornado comes your way. Once a tornado watch has been issued, it can quickly turn to a tornado warning, so be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Being prepared before a watch turns to a warning can help save lives.
Tornado Warning
A tornado warning means it is time to take action. A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radars. Your life could be in danger in tornado warning situations. Tornado warnings encompass a small area such as a small county, so if a warning has been issued in your area that means a tornado is likely very close. Take action and move to an interior room on the first floor of a building, avoiding windows. If you find yourself outdoors or in an unsteady building such as a mobile home, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect and cover yourself from flying debris.
Knowing the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning can save lives. If you experience damage after a tornado or any type of storm, give SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County a call at (704) 840-6112.
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