National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. This year, the campaign will focus on severe weather events. Last week, the Division of Public Safety at Case Western Reserve University shared information about severe thunderstorms. This week will focus on how severe thunderstorms can lead to tornadoes.
All thunderstorms have the potential to produce tornadoes, but the type of storm that is most commonly tornadic is the supercell. This very severe, long-lived thunderstorm contains circulation aloft (mesocyclone) that grows upward through the storm and downward toward the ground. When conditions are favorable, tornadoes will be produced. Supercells may produce strong, violent tornadoes, or several tornadoes over a period of several hours.
Doppler radar can detect the circulation associated with a tornado-producing thunderstorm. Once the circulation is identified, a warning is issued. However, doppler radar is not perfect, because it can only indicate rotation aloft, and does not indicate what might be happening on the ground. This is where storm spotters come in. Only feedback from someone in the area can confirm whether the radar signature is associated with a tornado.
Do you know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?
- Tornado watch: Be prepared! Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, take inventory of your supplies and check your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps save lives. Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties in which tornadoes might occur. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.
- Tornado warning: Take action! A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.
Learn more about tornado development. Next week’s article will cover what to do if a tornado warning is issued.
Are you interested in learning more about ways to keep yourself and family healthy and safe? Attend the Health and Safety Fair Friday, Sept. 20. RSVP on CampusGroups.