What’s the difference? Tornado Watch 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! Tornado Warning A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately under ground to a basement, storm cellar or an interior room (closet, hallway or bathroom).

The Fujita Scale

What type of tornado?

What type of tornado?

What type of tornado?

What type of tornado?

What type of tornado?

Where and when do Tornadoes occur?

Areas near lakes, rivers, and mountains are safe from tornadoes. Myth or Fact? Areas near lakes, rivers, and mountains are safe from tornadoes.

No place is safe from tornadoes! Myth! No place is safe from tornadoes! A tornado near Yellowstone National Park left a path of destruction up and down a 10,000 foot mountain.

Myth or Fact? Windows should be opened before a tornado approaches to equalize pressure and minimize damage.

Myth!! Leave the windows alone. The most important action is to immediately go to a safe shelter. 

Myth or Fact? If you are driving and a tornado is sighted, you should get out of the car.

Many people are injured or killed when remaining in their vehicles. Fact!! The best thing to do is to seek the best available shelter. Lying flat in a ditch can provide better shelter than inside a car. Many people are injured or killed when remaining in their vehicles.

Myth or Fact? People caught in the open should seek shelter under highway overpasses.

Myth!! Take shelter in a sturdy reinforced building if at all possible. Overpasses and culverts may provide limited protection from a tornado, but your risk will be greatly reduced by moving inside a strong building.