Tornadoes

Background

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground and is often—although not always—visible as a funnel cloud. Lightning and hail are common in thunderstorms that produce tornadoes. Tornadoes cause extensive damage to structures and disrupt transportation, power, water, gas, communications, and other services in its direct path and in neighboring areas. Related thunderstorms can cause heavy rains, flash flooding, and hail

About 1,200 tornadoes hit the United States every year and every state is at risk. Most tornadoes in the United States occur east of the Rocky Mountains with concentrations in the central and southern plains, the Gulf Coast and Florida.

Tornadoes can strike in any season, but occur most often in the spring and summer months. They can occur at all hours of the day and night, but are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.  However, the last tornado in The Villages was on Ground Hog Day (2/2) in 2007.  It started near US301 at 3:00 AM and traveled East across The Villages and into Lake County where there were a number of injuries and deaths.

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.  Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms and the following danger signs:

• Dark, often greenish sky
• Large hail
• A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
• Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
• If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

The extent of destruction caused by tornadoes depends on the tornado’s intensity, size, path, time of day, and amount of time it is on the ground. Wind from tornadoes can reach more than 300 miles per hour, and damage paths can be more than 1 mile wide and 50 miles long. Wind from tornadoes can destroy buildings and trees, transform debris into deadly projectiles, and roll vehicles.

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a tornado hazard:

• Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are possible. When there is a Watch, move to be near enough to a shelter or sturdy building to be able to get there quickly in a few minutes if there is a Warning or if you see signs of a tornado approaching. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.
• Tornado Warning - A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

Tornado approaching, go to your Safe Room

Go to the room that has no outside windows or door and close all the interior doors as you go to that room.  Cover you head or have a bike helmet or construction hat to protect your head for most homes in The Villages.  If you live in a manufactured home, get out immediately and go to a pre-identified location as the lowest floor of a study nearby building.  Mobile homes, even if tied down, do not offer protection from tornadoes. 

If you are outside, seek a low depression and cover you head.    

 Last Update:  06/27/2018    © Copyright Sumter County ARES. All Rights Reserved.