An updated tornado warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 7:43 p.m. in effect until 8:15 p.m. for Georgetown County.
“At 7:42 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Georgetown, moving east at 25 mph,” states 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 warning is for Georgetown Memorial 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 8:15 p.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 serves as an early warning that conditions are conducive to 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 mean a tornado is imminent, it’s a heads-up that you should be ready to act quickly 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 means 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 by 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:Keep an eye on the weather forecast to stay informed about tornado risks. Tune in to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updates on tornado watches and warnings
Sign up for alerts:Know how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smartphones to alert residents of severe storms capable of producing tornadoes.
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.
Extend a helping hand:Encourage your loved ones to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt.
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:Remain vigilant and stay updated by listening to local news broadcasts or a NOAA Weather Radio for tornado watches and warnings.
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:Follow your tornado drill and proceed to your tornado shelter location quickly and calmly. Stay away from windows and do not go to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
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:Being in a vehicle during a tornado is highly unsafe. Your best option is to drive to the nearest shelter. If reaching shelter is not possible, either stay inside your car, covering your head, or abandon the 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.
