On Friday at 6:22 a.m. an updated tornado warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until 6:45 a.m. for Florence and Williamsburg counties.
“At 6:21 a.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Morrisville, or 16 miles east of Kingstree, moving north at 55 mph,” according to the weather service. “Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.”
The tornado is projected to affect the following locations:
Indiantown and Nesmith around 6:25 a.m.
Hannah around 6:40 a.m.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Scranton, Stuckey, and Lake City Community Hospital.
According to the weather service, “Take cover now! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Please send your reports of hail and/or wind damage, including trees or large limbs downed, by calling the National Weather Service office in Wilmington at 1-800-697-3901.”
This warning is in effect until 6:45 a.m.
Tornado watch vs. Tornado warning: Know the difference
When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the difference between a Tornado watch and a Tornado warning can be a matter of life and death. Let’s break it down:
Tornado watch: Be prepared!A Tornado watch is your advance warning that conditions are ripe for tornado formation.
It’s your cue to review and discuss your emergency plans, check your supplies, and locate your safe room.
While it doesn’t indicate an imminent tornado, it’s a heads-up to be prepared to take swift action if a Tornado warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching.
Tornado Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center and often encompass a broad area, potentially spanning multiple counties or even states.
Tornado warning: Take action!A Tornado warning signifies that a tornado has been spotted or detected by weather radar.
This is the real deal – there’s an immediate danger to life and property.
Your response should be swift: move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
If you’re in a mobile home, a vehicle, or caught outdoors, find the nearest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
Warnings are issued by your local forecast office and pinpoint a much smaller area, typically the size of a city or a small county, where a tornado has been identified, either by radar or through reports from trained spotters and law enforcement.
Knowing the difference between these two alerts is essential in staying safe during tornado season. Stay informed, have a plan, and act promptly when danger approaches.
Get ready for tornadoes
Be weather-ready:Check the forecast regularly to see if you’re at risk for tornadoes. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings.
Sign up for alerts:Familiarize yourself with your community’s warning systems. Some places have outdoor sirens, while others rely on media and smartphone alerts for severe storm notifications.
Create a communication plan:Create a family emergency plan that includes a designated meeting place and important contact information. If your home lacks a basement, identify a nearby safe building, like a church or a relative’s house, that you can reach quickly.
Choose a secure shelter:Pick a safe room within your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor without windows.
Establish a communication plan:Conduct regular family drills for severe thunderstorms so everyone knows what to do when a tornado threat arises. Ensure that all family members are aware of the safe location to seek shelter, and don’t forget about your pets if time permits.
Prepare your home:Consider having your safe room reinforced. You can find plans for reinforcing an interior room to provide better protection on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.
Help your neighbor:Encourage your neighbors and loved ones to prepare for possible tornadoes. Consider taking CPR training to be of assistance in case of injuries.
Staying safe during a tornado: Quick actions to take
When a tornado strikes, taking swift action is crucial to ensuring your safety and minimizing potential harm. Follow these guidelines from the weather service:
Stay informed:To ensure your safety during a tornado, remember that acting promptly is crucial, according to the weather service. Stay informed about tornado watches and warnings through regular updates on local news or a NOAA Weather Radio.
At home:If you are at home and a tornado warning is issued, make your way to the basement, a designated safe room, or an interior space away from windows. Don’t forget to ensure the safety of your pets if time allows.
At work or school:In the workplace or at school, adhere to tornado drill procedures and proceed promptly and calmly to your designated tornado shelter. Avoid areas with large, open spaces like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums, and stay away from windows.
Outdoors:When you are outdoors and a tornado is approaching, seek immediate refuge inside a sturdy building. Remember that sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe options. If there is sufficient time, make your way to a secure structure.
In a vehicle:It is not safe to be in a vehicle during a tornado. The recommended action is to drive to the nearest shelter. If reaching a safe shelter is not possible, either crouch down in your car and cover your head, or leave your vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine.
Remember, acting swiftly and following safety protocols are essential for your well-being when a tornado is imminent.
