At 3:21 p.m. on Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning in effect until 4 p.m. for Jackson, Madison and Marshall counties.
“At 3:20 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Grant, or 13 miles north of Guntersville, moving northeast at 20 mph,” adds the weather service. “Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.”
The tornado is projected to possibly affect the following locations:
- Woodville around 3:25 p.m.
- Grant around 3:30 p.m.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Lim Rock and Larkinsville.
Recommended action: Seek shelter
The weather service states, “Take cover now! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.”
Tornado watch vs. Tornado warning: Know the difference
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 serves as an early warning that conditions are conducive to 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 indicate an imminent tornado, it’s a heads-up to be prepared to take swift action 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 threat 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, seek the nearest substantial shelter and shield 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.
Get ready for tornadoes
Stay weather-ready:
Check the forecast regularly to see if you’re at risk for tornadoes. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about 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.
Create a communication plan:
Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. If you live in a mobile home or home without a basement, identify a nearby safe building you can get to quickly, such as a church or family member.
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.
Establish a communication plan:
Conduct regular family drills for severe thunderstorms so everyone knows what to do when a tornado threat arises. Ensure that all family members are aware of the safe location to seek shelter, and don’t forget about your pets if time permits.
Secure your home:
Consider reinforcing your safe room for added protection. You can find plans for fortifying an interior room on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.
Help your neighbor:
Encourage your neighbors and loved ones to prepare for possible tornadoes. Consider taking CPR training to be of assistance in case of injuries.
What to do when a tornado strikes
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:
Stay vigilant and stay informed by tuning in to local news broadcasts or using a NOAA Weather Radio to receive updates on tornado watches and warnings.
At home:
If you find yourself under a tornado warning, immediately seek refuge in your basement, safe room, or an interior room without windows. If there’s enough time, bring your pets with you.
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 a tornado is on its way, seek shelter inside a solid building immediately. Sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe places to be.
In a vehicle:
Being inside a vehicle during a tornado is highly unsafe. Your best course of action is to drive to the nearest shelter. If reaching shelter is not possible, either stay inside your car while covering your head, or abandon the vehicle and seek safety in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine.
Remember, acting swiftly and following safety protocols are essential for your well-being when a tornado is imminent.
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