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People associate Florida with Hurricanes and often don't give
Tornadoes very much thought. However, the State of Florida is actually
in the top three states for the frequency of Tornadoes. Luckily
for Florida, the most intense and deadly tornadoes generally develop
throughout the Midwest and Great Plains states, however, tornadoes are
still a considerable threat in Florida and getting proper information
regarding safety during a tornado is paramount.
Tornado –
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air in contact with the
ground and extending from the base of a thunderstorm. A
condensation funnel does not need to reach to the ground
for a tornado to be present; a debris cloud beneath a
thunderstorm confirms the
presence of a tornado, even in the absence of a
condensation funnel.
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Fujita
Scale - (or F Scale) - This is a scale of wind
damage intensity in which wind speeds are inferred from
an analysis of wind damage:
F0 (weak): 40- 72 mph, light
damage.
F1 (weak): 73-112 mph,
moderate damage.
F2 (strong):
113-157 mph, considerable
damage.
F3 (strong): 158-206 mph,
severe damage.
F4 (violent):
207-260 mph, devastating
damage.
F5 (violent): 261-318 mph,
(rare) incredible damage.
Tornado
Watch - This means that a National Weather Service (NWS)
statement has been issued that indicates that tornadoes are
possible in your area (i.e. conditions are more
favorable than usual for tornado formation). It is a
recommended that you plan, prepare, and be alert for changing weather
and approaching storms. Stay informed by listening to NOAA
Weather Radio or local radio and/or television stations.
Have a plan about what to do if a tornado forms.
Click here to see current watch information.
Tornado
Warning - This means that a statement has
been issued by NWS local
offices indicating that a tornado is either imminent or
has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. A
warning indicates the need to take action to protect
life and property.
Vehicles were tossed about inside homes as several
tornadoes tore through central Florida in February
1998.
(Reuters) |
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Some Tornado Safety Tips
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DO NOT USE A HIGHWAY OVERPASS AS A
SHELTER! This myth was created after a videotape
appeared on television of several people escaping the
wrath of a tornado in this manner. The reality is
that the tape was of a weak tornado that did not
directly impact the overpass. Unfortunately, due to this
myth, many people have lost their lives. For more
information, meteorologist Dan Miller of the NWS in Norman,
Oklahoma
has assembled a
25-slide online presentation about this problem.
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In a home or building, a
pre-designated shelter such as a basement is the best
option. However, the vast majority of homes in
South Florida do not have basements. In an above
ground home, move to a small interior room or hallway on
the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of
furniture. Put as many walls as possible between you and
the outside. Stay away from windows.
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Vehicles are notorious as death traps
in tornadoes, because they are easily tossed and
destroyed. Either leave the vehicle for sturdy shelter
or drive out of the tornado's path if you have enough
distance between you and the funnel. However,
tornadoes can move faster than your vehicle, so don't
try to outrun a tornado. When traffic is
jammed or the tornado is bearing down on you at close
range, your only option may be to park safely off the
traffic lanes, get out and find a sturdy building for
shelter, if possible. If not, lie flat in a low spot, as
far from the road as possible (to avoid flying
vehicles). In open country, the best option is
to escape if the tornado is far away. If the traffic
allows, and the tornado is distant, you probably have
time to drive out of its path. Watch the tornado closely
for a few seconds compared to a fixed object in the
foreground (such as a tree, pole, or other landmark). If
it appears to be moving to your right or left, it is not
moving toward you. Escape at right
angles to its track: to your right if it is moving to
your left, and vice versa -- just to put more distance
between you and its path. If the tornado appears to stay
in the same place, growing larger or getting closer --
but not moving either right or left -- it is headed
right at you. You must take shelter away from the car or
get out of its way fast!
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