Tornado Safety
Severe Weather can include any or all of the following:
- Flash flooding
- Hail 3/4' diameter or larger
- Damaging winds of 58 mph or higher
- Presence of a tornado
Did you know?
- A typical thunderstorm lasts for less than an hour
- 1800-2000 thunderstorms occur around the world at any moment
- Flash floods and lightning will kill more people annually than tornadoes
- Tornadoes follow severe thunderstorms
- Tornadoes are the most devastating local storms experienced on earth
- In Wisconsin, tornadoes have occurred in every month except February
- In Wisconsin, the most active tornado months are June, July, May and August in that order
- 75% of tornadoes will occur between 3:00-7:00 PM, with 5 PM being the most likely time
Watch Vs. Warning
- A tornado watch means that the conditions are favorable for both tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Although it may be sunny when the watch is issued, the weather could change rapidly
- A tornado warning means that a tornado or funnel cloud has been spotted. Take cover immediately!
- If in an automobile, do not attempt to outrun a tornado, do not stay in the car
- Do not stay in a mobile home, get to a low lying area but watch out for flash floods
- The safest place to be is in a basement, get underneath a heavy object
- If you do not have a basement ,go to a first floor interior hallway, closet or bathroom
Additional Information
Tornado Protection - Selecting Refuge Areas in Buildings Severe Weather Flyer
Tornado Safety