On Thursday at 8:57 p.m. a tornado watch was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until Friday at 8 a.m. for Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Marion and Williamsburg counties.
This watch is in effect until Friday at 8 a.m.
Tornado watches and warnings: What you need to know
When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the distinction between a Tornado watch and a Tornado warning can be a matter of life and death. Here’s a breakdown:
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 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.
Watches come from the Storm Prediction Center and often cover a large 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 distinction between these two alerts is paramount for staying safe during tornado season. Stay informed, have a plan, and act promptly when danger looms.
Get ready for tornadoes
Stay 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: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.
Establish a communication plan:Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. If you live in a mobile home or home without a basement, identify a nearby safe building you can get to quickly, such as a church or family member.
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.
Practice your plan:Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching. Make sure all members of your family know to go there when tornado warnings are issued. Don’t forget pets if time allows.
Secure your home:Consider reinforcing your safe room for added protection. You can find plans for fortifying an interior room on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.
Extend a helping hand:Encourage your neighbors and loved ones to prepare for possible tornadoes. Consider taking CPR training to be of assistance in case of injuries.
What to do when a tornado strikes
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:Stay vigilant and stay informed by tuning in to local news broadcasts or using a NOAA Weather Radio to receive updates on 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:If you are at your workplace or school, adhere to tornado drill procedures. Move promptly and calmly to your designated tornado shelter, avoiding large open areas like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums, and steer clear of windows.
Outdoors:If a tornado is on its way, seek shelter inside a solid building immediately. Sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe places to be.
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.
Always keep in mind that taking swift action and following established safety procedures are crucial for your well-being when a tornado threat is imminent.
