Tornadoes bring nature’s most violent weather

Tornadoes are not what people want to see, unless they are  in a movie or a documentary show featuring storm chasers.

Officials say it is important for people to know that a tornado watch means it is possible in the area, while a tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted and people should take shelter immediately.

“A tornado can form in just a matter of minutes,” said Bill Laird, director of Laurens County Emergency Management Agency/E-911. “Whether it is a watch or warning, the likelihood and conditions exist for a tornado.” 

According to the National Weather Service, tornadoes are the No. 1 severe weather-related killer in Georgia. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can vary in shape, size and intensity. Most tornadoes are weak, lasting a few minutes and producing winds of less than 100 mph. However, a few tornadoes are strong or even violent. These tornadoes last from 20 minutes to more than an hour and can produce wind speeds higher than 166 mph. 

“If the National Weather Service issues a warning for a community anywhere in Laurens County, we’ll activate the tornado sirens,” Laird said. “Some people take the tornado sirens for granted. They are for outdoor warning. If you are indoors, you can’t rely on hearing the tornado siren. People need to think about signing up for (the county’s) hyper-reach or things like that.” 

The other important bit of information is to know where to go in the house for protection against a tornado. Laird said it varies for every house.

“It depends what type of structure you live in and how it was built,” he said. “Someone who lives in a mobile home may want to go to another structure if it is safe to go to, or do so ahead of the storm. This is also where planning comes in ahead of time to know where to go. You want to go into a small interior room that does not have windows. You don’t want to be on an exterior wall.” 

Here are some tips to help people with tornadoes: 

Prepare a Home Tornado Plan

• Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered. 

• If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building. 

• Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing

• First aid kit and essential medications. 

• Canned food and can opener. 

• At least three gallons of water per person per day. 

• Protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags. 

• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries. 

• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members. 

• Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to restore natural gas service.) 

Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio and television stations for updated storm information. 

• Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means: 

• A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area. 

• A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately. 

• Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by the National Weather Service. 

When a Tornado WATCH is Issued

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio and television stations for further updates. 

• Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train. 

When a Tornado WARNING is Issued

• If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your area. 

• If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area. 

• If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety. 

After the Tornado Passes

• Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area. 

• Listen to the radio for information and instructions. 

• Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage. 

• Do not use candles at any time. 

For more information, contact Laurens County EMA at (478) 277-2911 or visit these websites: www.ready.ga.gov, www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/ or www.gema.ga.gov.