The warning was for DeKalb and Jackson counties.
“The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area. Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. Remember, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning still remains in effect for portions of Dekalb County,” states the National Weather Service.
Tornado watches and warnings: What you need to know
When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the distinction between a Tornado watch and a Tornado warning can be a matter of life and death. Here’s a breakdown:
Tornado watch: Be prepared!
- A Tornado watch is your advance warning that conditions are ripe for tornado formation.
- It’s your cue to review and discuss your emergency plans, check your supplies, and locate your safe room.
- While it doesn’t mean a tornado is imminent, it’s a heads-up that you should be ready to act quickly if a Tornado warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching.
- Tornado Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center and often encompass a broad area, potentially spanning multiple counties or even states.
Tornado warning: Take action!
- A Tornado warning signifies that a tornado has been spotted or detected by weather radar.
- This is the real deal – there’s an immediate danger to life and property.
- Your response should be quick: seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
- If you’re in a mobile home, a vehicle, or caught outdoors, find the nearest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
- Warnings are issued by your local forecast office and pinpoint a much smaller area, typically the size of a city or a small county, where a tornado has been identified, either by radar or through reports from trained spotters and law enforcement.
Knowing the distinction between these two alerts is paramount for staying safe during tornado season. Stay informed, have a plan, and act promptly when danger looms.
Prepare for a tornado
Be weather-ready:
Keep an eye on the weather forecast to stay informed about tornado risks. Tune in to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updates on tornado watches and warnings
Sign up for notifications:
Know how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smartphones to alert residents of severe storms capable of producing tornadoes.
Establish a communication plan:
Create a family emergency plan that includes a designated meeting place and important contact information. If your home lacks a basement, identify a nearby safe building, like a church or a relative’s house, that you can reach quickly.
Choose a secure shelter:
Pick a safe room within your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor without windows.
Practice your plan:
Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching. Make sure all members of your family know to go there when tornado warnings are issued. Don’t forget pets if time allows.
Prepare your home:
Consider having your safe room reinforced. You can find plans for reinforcing an interior room to provide better protection on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.
Help your neighbor:
Encourage your loved ones to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt.
Tornado safety: What to do when the twister hits
When a tornado strikes, taking swift action is crucial to ensuring your safety and minimizing potential harm. Follow these guidelines from the weather service:
Stay informed:
Remain vigilant and stay updated by listening to local news broadcasts or a NOAA Weather Radio for tornado watches and warnings.
At home:
- If you are at home and a tornado warning is issued, make your way to the basement, a designated safe room, or an interior space away from windows. Don’t forget to ensure the safety of your pets if time allows.
At work or school:
- If you are at your workplace or school, adhere to tornado drill procedures. Move promptly and calmly to your designated tornado shelter, avoiding large open areas like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums, and steer clear of windows.
Outdoors:
- If you’re outdoors and a tornado is approaching, seek immediate shelter inside a sturdy building. Sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe. If there’s time, make your way to a secure structure.
In a vehicle:
- It is not safe to be in a vehicle during a tornado. The recommended action is to drive to the nearest shelter. If reaching a safe shelter is not possible, either crouch down in your car and cover your head, or leave your vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine.
Remember, acting swiftly and following safety protocols are essential for your well-being when a tornado is imminent.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.