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Understanding Tornado Alerts and What to do When One is Assigned to Your Area
10/9/2023 (Permalink)
After a tornado ran through several streets in Escambia County, our Storm Team was dispatched to aide in the restoration.
Tornadoes can form with very little warning during storm situations, making them highly dangerous to both property and people. To best prepare for the threat of tornadoes, there are two standard alerts that are issued: Tornado Watch and Tornado Warning. According to the National Weather Service, each alert is defined in the following way:
Tornado Watch: Be Prepared!
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. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.
Tornado Warning: Take Action!
A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter who is watching the storm.
If your home or business has sustained damages from a tornado, give SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia® a call at 850-466-3089. Our professional team is Here to Help®with industry leading equipment, advanced technology, and extensive experience with storm damages.