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Tornadoes
Tornado Facts:
- Peak tornado season in the South is March through May; in the North, it is late spring through early summer.
- Tornadoes may strike quickly, with little or no warning. Winds may also die down then pick up again.
- Tornadoes may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
- Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
- Look for the following danger signs: Dark green-ish sky, hail, low-lying clouds, or loud roar.
- A tornado WATCH is to prepare people of a possible threat, while a WARNING is when a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar and is imminent.
- Tornados are measured on the Fujita Scale by six categories as shown below.
What to Do?
- Be prepared to take shelter immediately when storms are approaching.
- When a tornado is sighted, the most important rule is to get low and stay low.
- Never stay in a vehicle or chase the storm.
- If you're outside and no shelter is available, take cover on low, protected ground, such as a ditch.
- In a house, dorm or apartment, immediately take cover in a small room, such as a bathroom or closet away from windows, and crouch, covering your head.
- In a building: Go directly to an enclosed, windowless area on the lowest floor in the center of the building away from glass, and crouch, covering your head.
- Be aware, not scared! Know the severe weather shelter areas on campus.
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