Watch, warning – important terms during tornado season

  • Published
  • By 71st Flying Training Wing Safety Office
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The traditional tornado season in Oklahoma runs from March to August, with May usually the most active month.

Two important weather terms to understand when preparing for the season are "tornado watch" and "tornado warning."

A tornado watch is issued when conditions are favorable for tornado development. People located in and around the watch area should keep an eye to the sky and listen to their National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio or tune to local broadcast media for weather information.

The watch is intended to give you time to prepare and time to review your safety rules.

A tornado warning is issued when a developing tornado has been detected by National Weather Service Doppler radar or a reliable report of a tornado has been reported.

A tornado warning is usually issued for portions of one or two counties for an hour or less. The storm could also produce large hail and destructive straight-line winds. If the tornado warning includes your neighborhood or work place, you should seek safe shelter immediately.

In the event of a tornado, here are some tornado safety rules to keep you and your family safe.

In general, get as low as you can. Stay away from doors, windows, outside walls and protect your head. Go to the basement or a small interior room, such as a closet, bathroom or an interior hall on the lowest level.

Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can. If possible, get under something sturdy like a heavy table. Protect yourself from flying debris with pillows, heavy coats, blankets or quilts. Wear a bicycle or motorcycle helmet to protect your head.

Tornadoes could be obscured by rainfall or come at nighttime. Do not wait until you see or hear the tornado to take shelter. It may be too late.

When tornadoes are possible, limit your outdoor plans or finish them early. Stay close to a sturdy shelter. If caught outside, seek shelter in a ditch or remain in your vehicle and cover your head for protection.

Do not take shelter under a highway overpass, where wind speeds can increase due to a tunneling effect.

For more information, contact the 71st Logistics Readiness Squadron Emergency Management Office at 213-6409.

Another good source of information about preparing for the worst is the Garfield County Emergency Management website, http://gcem.org.