Tornadoes - How to Prepare

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Tornadoes…

One of Nature's Most Violent Storms Can Occur Anywhere!

Pamlico County has been affected by tornadoes on a few occasions. Typically they have been associated with severe thunderstorms or the "feeder bands" of tropical storms and hurricanes. The best defense against a tornado is to understand what causes them and to be prepared in the event one strikes. Pamlico County Emergency Management Center keeps a vigilant watch on weather conditions and is prepared to respond as required in the event a tornado strikes anywhere Pamlico County.

What Causes Tornadoes?

Carolinas Outbreak:
March 28,1984 afternoon-evening
22 tornadoes
57 deaths
1,248 injuries
damage $200 million
37% of fatalities in mobile homes

Thunderstorms develop in warm, moist air in advance of eastward-moving cold fronts. These thunderstorms often produce large hail, strong winds, and tornadoes. Tornadoes in the winter and early spring are often associated with strong, frontal systems that form in the Central States and move east. Occasionally, large outbreaks of tornadoes occur with this type of weather pattern. Several states may be affected by numerous severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.

During the spring in the Central Plains, thunderstorms frequently develop along a "dryline," which separates very warm, moist air to the east from hot, dry air to the west. Tornado-producing thunderstorms may form as the dryline moves east during the afternoon hours.

Tornadoes occasionally accompany tropical storms and hurricanes that move over land. Tornadoes are most common to the right and ahead of the path of the storm center as it comes onshore. Keep this in mind as you watch the storm tracks of any tropical storms and hurricanes that threaten Pamlico County.

Tornadoes Occur Anywhere

What to Listen For…

TORNADO WATCH: Tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.

TORNADO WARNING: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. If a tornado warning is issued for your area and the sky becomes threatening, move to your pre-designated place of safety.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH: Severe thunderstorms are possible in your area.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING: Severe thunderstorms are occurring.

Remember - tornadoes occasionally develop in areas which a severe thunderstorm watch or warning is in effect. Remain alert to signs of an approaching tornado and seek shelter if threatening conditions exist.

Tornado Safety

If a Warning is issued or if threatening weather approaches:

	In a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement.
	If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
	Stay away from windows.
	Get out of automobiles.
	Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately.
	If caught outside or in a vehicle, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression.
	Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned.
	Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that advance warning is not possible. Remain alert for signs of an approaching tornado. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most deaths and injuries.

What YOU Can do

Before the Storm:

Develop a plan for you and your family for home, work, school, and when outdoors.

Have frequent drills.

Know Pamlico County (or the county in which you live), and keep a highway map nearby to follow storm movement from weather bulletins.

Have a NOAA Weather Radio with a warning alarm tone and battery back-up to receive warnings.

Listen to radio and television for information.

If planning a trip outdoors, listen to the latest forecasts and take necessary action if threatening weather is possible.

Call the Pamlico County Emergency Management Center at (252) 745-4131 for planning assistance or to answer special questions.

STAY INFORMED ABOUT THE STORM by listening to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, and television for the latest tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS.

NOAA WEATHER RADIO IS THE BEST MEANS TO RECEIVE WARNINGS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

The National Weather Service continuously broadcasts updated weather warnings and forecasts that can be received by NOAA Weather Radios sold in many stores. The average range is 40 miles, depending on topography. Your National Weather Service recommends purchasing a radio that has both a battery backup and a tone-alert feature which automatically alerts you when a watch or warning is issued.

Tornado Myths:

MYTH: Areas near rivers, lakes, and mountains are safe from tornadoes.

FACT: No place is safe from tornadoes. In the late 1980's, a tornado swept through Yellowstone National Park leaving a path of destruction up and down a 10,000 ft. mountain.

MYTH: The low pressure with a tornado causes buildings to "explode" as the tornado passes overhead.

FACT: Violent winds and debris slamming into buildings cause most structural damage.

MYTH: Windows should be opened before a tornado approaches to equalize pressure and minimize damage.

FACT: Opening windows allows damaging winds to enter the structure. Leave the windows alone; instead, immediately go to a safe place.

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	Develop a plan for you and your family for home, work, school, and when outdoors.
	Have frequent drills.
	Know Pamlico County (or the county in which you live), and keep a highway map nearby to follow storm movement from weather bulletins.
	Have a NOAA Weather Radio with a warning alarm tone and battery back-up to receive warnings.
	Listen to radio and television for information.
	If planning a trip outdoors, listen to the latest forecasts and take necessary action if threatening weather is possible.
	Call the Pamlico County Emergency Management Center at (252) 745-4131 for planning assistance or to answer special questions.