What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?
The National Weather Service issues a tornado watch when tornadoes are possible in your area. Be alert for approaching storms. This is a good time to remind family members where the safest places within your home are located. Listen to the radio or television for further developments.
A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. If a tornado warning is issued and the sky becomes threatening, move to your designated place of safety. Turn on a battery-operated radio and wait for further instructions.
When is tornado season?
Most tornadoes occur in April, May and June, although tornadoes can occur at any time of the year.
Is there a time of day when tornadoes usually happen?
Tornadoes can happen anytime, but tend to occur in the afternoons and evenings. They are most likely to occur between 3 and 9 p.m.
What are some tornado danger signs?
- Dark, often greenish sky
- Wall cloud
- Large hail
- Loud roar, similar to a freight train
Are there other signs I should look for?
Some tornadoes appear as a visible funnel extending only partially to the ground. Look for signs of debris below the visible funnel. Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. An approaching cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.
What preparations should I make for tornadoes?
- Designate an area in your home as a shelter.
- Have regular tornado drills with your family.
- Have necessary supplies with you in your shelter area. Supplies should include:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Portable, battery operated radio and extra batteries
- Essential medicines
- Cash and credit cards
- Sturdy shoes
- A set of spare keys to vehicles
- Personal identification
- First aid kit and manual
- Emergency food and water
- Non-electric can opener
- Camera with several rolls of film (for documenting damage)
- If the weather looks threatening, turn on a TV or radio
- Have a plan for getting back together in case family members are separated from one another during a tornado
Should we leave our home if tornadoes threaten?
If you live in a mobile home, yes. Otherwise, your best strategy is to stay put in your home and take shelter in an interior room on the lowest level of your home.
Should we go to a nearby school for safety?
Putnam City schools are not public tornado shelters. If school is not in session, school buildings are locked.
Where can I get more information?
Visit the McReady Oklahoma website for safety information related to tornadoes, severe storms, lightning and flooding.