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Tips for tornado season

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tristin English
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Tornado season in Illinois is from mid-March through June, but tornadoes have occurred in every month, with an average of 43 per year.

Tornadoes are one of nature's most violent storms. They appear as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with winds that can reach 300 mph. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that little, if any, advance warning is possible.

During any storm it's best to listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings.

"It's good to know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning," said Mark Perry, 375th Command Post Superintendent. "When a tornado watch is given, it means tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. If a watch is issued be ready to act quickly in case a tornado warning is given, and if a tornado warning is issued, it means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Seek shelter immediately."

Watch for tornado signs which include:

Dark, often greenish clouds (a phenomenon caused by hail)

Wall cloud (an isolated lowering of the base of a thunderstorm)

Cloud of debris

Large hail

Funnel cloud (a visible rotating extension of the cloud base)

Roaring noise

Pick a safe room in your home where household members and pets may gather during a tornado. This should be a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.

"When a tornado strikes the safest place to be is an underground shelter, basement, or safe room," said Tech Sgt. Joshua Hartline, 375th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight NCOIC. "If no underground shelter or safe room is available, a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building is the safest alternative. Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes or other severe winds. If access to a sturdy shelter or a vehicle is possible, abandon your mobile home immediately, and go to the nearest sturdy building or shelter. Do not wait until you see the tornado. If caught outdoors, seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building."

Continue listening to the local news or radio for updated information and instructions. If you are away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes when walking around and examining your house for any damage.

Having a plan for natural disasters is key. For more information, call the Readiness and Emergency Management Flight at 256-4831 or visit the Air Force Emergency Management website at www.beready.af.mil. The St. Clair County Emergency Management website also has more information through www.stclaircounty.org.