From March to May of every year, the southern states are occasionally plagued by a disastrous weather phenomenon known as tornadoes. For northern states, the risk comes during spring to the onset of summer.
Tornadoes are considered as storms. And you know that no storm is not violent. The dangers caused by tornadoes are not due to the gustiness of the winds but by a sudden and unanticipated occurrence.
Unlike hurricanes, which are comparatively more powerful, the onset of a tornado cannot be easily tracked. Satellite weather systems cannot easily spot them because of their sudden development and their relatively smaller scale.
Thus, people can only tell that there is a tornado when they actually see one. Tornadoes are a massive and destructive mass of air accumulating rapidly is a circular manner. The wind is so strong that almost everything that comes to the way of the tornado is easily flown into it.
How to tell if a tornado is approaching
Before any safety measure, it is imperative that you be knowledgeable about the appearance and the indicators of the presence of the violent weather phenomenon.
Take note that before a tornado hits an area, the wind may not be destructive minutes before the tornado hits the place. Often, before a tornado is observed, the wind may be very still. There may or may not be the presence of rain.
Usually, tornadoes occur at the trailing end of a thunderstorm. Thus, if there is a strong thunderstorm, be prepared on the possibility that a tornado may come anytime during or before the thunderstorm ends.
Because tornadoes are made up basically of strong and whirling winds, one can not easily see them. Often, reported cases indicate that the tornado appears like a cloud-like structure.
Tornadoes can be seen due to the debris and dust they have accumulated while tracking their courses. You may see the debris rotating in the air in circular, whirling motion.
Before a tornado hits an area, you can also hear a loud roaring sound that is almost similar to an approaching freight train. The wind will also become turbulent and destructive.
Safety measures before a tornado
One indicator that a tornado will possibly hit an area is dark and often violet to greenish sky, which is prevalent during destructive thunderstorms.
When you see and feel the indications of an approaching tornado, find a safe shelter right away. Remember, tornadoes are destructive and fatal not merely because of the strong winds but because of the debris they have accumulated.
This debris varies from the roof to large rocks, to large chunks of trees. When people are hit by such debris, that is the time the tornado becomes fatal. So make sure the shelter you find would protect you from any such debris.
Safety measures during a tornado
Homes located in areas that are often hit by tornadoes almost always have basements. Basements offer reliable protection to people during tornadoes, so find one during an attack of a tornado.
If you are in your car, just get out and find a safe shelter. Or simply lie down on a sturdy structure. Lie flat and cover the head with hands. Be alert and look out for falling debris coming from the tornado.
After the tornado, make sure any structure in your home is not significantly damaged. Otherwise, seek professional help all at once to ensure your safety.
Tornadoes are phenomenal that one can not prevent it from occurring. However, if you know the how-to’s of being safe during such weather disturbances, you would avoid being one of the many casualties arising from such weather turbulence.