Tornados or Downbursts Can Accompany a Severe Thunderstorm

Tornados are violent, swirling, funnel-shaped clouds that extend to the ground. The winds can range from 50 - 300 mph and their path of damage can be as long as 50 miles.

Tornados can happen during severe thunderstorms.

Tornados can uproot trees, destroy buildings and turn harmless objects into deadly missiles.

Programmable NOAA Weather Radios with a battery back-up are inexpensive and can be purchased at most stores selling electronics. Program your county code into your NOAA radio so when the National Weather Service declares a severe tornado "warning" for your area the radio will sound a tone alerting you to the possibility of pending danger.

A Tornado Watch means that a tornado is possible. Stay tuned to your NOAA radio or commercial radio or TV for additional information.

A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been spotted, take shelter immediately

A Downburst or Straight-line Winds accompany severe thunderstorms more often than tornadoes and can cause significant damage.

A downburst can produce winds exceeding 100 mph, causing damage similar to many tornados.

The safest place during a tornado is in the basement. If a basement isn't available than go to an interior room , hall or closet on the lowest level of the building.

If outside or in a vehicle, trailer or mobile home, get out immediately and go to a nearby basement or substantial structure. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in a ditch, ravine or culvert.