A tornado warning is in effect for Southeast Texas until Thursday evening

At 11:36 a.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning that was in effect until 7 p.m. The warning applies to Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Newton, Orange and Tyler counties.

Tornado Watches and Warnings: Your Safety Guide

When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning can be vital. Here’s a breakdown:

Tornado Watch: Be Prepared!

• A tornado watch serves as an early warning that conditions are conducive to the formation of a tornado.
• It’s your signal to review your emergency plans, make sure your supplies are in order, and identify your safe space.
• While this doesn’t mean a tornado is imminent, it is a warning that you should be prepared to act quickly if a tornado warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.
• The watches come from the Storm Prediction Center and often cover a large area, perhaps spanning multiple counties or even states.

Tornado Warning: Take Action!

• A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or detected by weather radar.
• This is the reality: there is imminent danger to life and property.
• Your response should be quick: seek shelter indoors on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
• If you are in an RV, vehicle, or trapped outdoors, find the nearest suitable shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
• Warnings are issued by your local forecast office and pinpoint a much smaller area, usually the size of a city or small county, where a tornado has been identified either by radar or by trained observers and law enforcement.

To stay safe during tornado season, it’s important to know the difference between these two warnings. Stay informed, have a plan and act immediately if danger threatens.

Prepare for a tornado

Be weatherproof:

Check the weather forecast regularly to determine if you are at risk for tornadoes. Listen to local news or NOAA weather radio to stay up to date on tornado watches and warnings.

Sign up for alerts:

Learn how your community sends alerts. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others rely on media and smartphones to warn residents of severe storms that can trigger tornadoes.

Create a communication plan:

Create a family emergency plan that includes a specific meeting location and important contact information. If your home doesn’t have a basement, look for a safe building nearby, such as a basement. B. a church or a relative’s house that you can quickly reach.

Choose a safe shelter:

Choose a safe room in your home, such as: B. a basement, a storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor without windows.

Create a communication plan:

Conduct regular family severe thunderstorm drills so everyone knows what to do if a tornado threat arises. Make sure all family members know the safe place to seek shelter and don’t forget your pets if time permits.

Secure your home:

Consider reinforcing your safe room for additional protection. Plans for fortifying an interior can be found on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.

Help your neighbor:

Encourage loved ones to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is injured.

Staying Safe During a Tornado: Quick Actions

When a tornado strikes, acting quickly is critical to ensure your safety and minimize potential damage. Follow these guidelines from the NWS:

Stay informed:

Stay alert and informed by tuning in to local newscasts or using a NOAA weather radio to receive updates on tornado watches and warnings.

At home:

If you are at home and a tornado warning is issued, move to the basement, a designated safe room, or an indoor area away from windows. Don’t forget to ensure the safety of your pets when time permits.

At work or school:

Follow tornado drill instructions at work or school and move promptly and calmly to your designated tornado shelter. Avoid areas with large, open spaces such as cafeterias, gymnasiums or auditoriums and stay away from windows.

Outside:

If you are outdoors and a tornado is approaching, immediately seek shelter in a sturdy building. Sheds, storage rooms, RVs and tents are not safe. If you have time, get to a safe structure.

In a vehicle:

Sitting in a vehicle during a tornado is extremely unsafe. The best thing to do is drive to the nearest animal shelter. If it is not possible to reach shelter, either stay in your car and cover your head, or exit the vehicle and seek refuge in a lower area such as a ditch or ravine.

Always remember that if a tornado threat is imminent, acting quickly and following established safety procedures are critical to your well-being.

Source: The National Weather Service