TORNADO WARNING: Immediately move to a shelter area. Shelter areas include basements, first floor interior bathrooms/hallways/closets, or an interior windowless room on the lowest floor of a sturdy structure. Mobile homes and vehicles must be immediately be evacuated in search of more substantial shelter. If outdoors, go indoors immediately. If no structures are available, lie flat in a ditch or low area and cover your head with your hands to protect yourself from debris.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING: Stay indoors and away from windows. Damaging winds and large hail can bring down trees and powerlines. So if you live near large trees, go to a basement if possible. If a destructive tagged severe thunderstorm warning is issued (wind gusts up to 80 mph +), treat it like a tornado warning.
FLASH FLOOD WARNING: DO NOT TRAVEL. Unless you are in a flood zone, or under an evacuation order, do not travel. Driving in a flash flood warning can be a life threatening situation. If you are already traveling, avoid flooded roads. If water is covering the road, TURN AROUND, DONT DOWN. The road could be washed out or unstable and may collapse.
TORNADO/SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH: Be prepared. There's no need for immediate action, but remain alert for any upgrades to warnings. Remember, a watch means conditions favor severe weather, but it does not mean it is imminent or occuring. Review your severe weather safety plan and be ready to take action if a warning is issued for your area.
- SHELTERING AT SCHOOL: Students should immediately be moved to interior hallways, bathrooms, closets and classrooms with NO WINDOWS or exterior walls. Gyms, cafeterias, mobile classrooms, and auditoriums are NOT a suitable shelter and should be evacuated during a tornado warning. Exterior walls will often collapse during a direct hit from a tornado, and provide no shelter from wind borne projectiles that can puncture through cinder-block walls. If you need help finding shelter locations at your school, please contact us on one of our social media pages.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING: Stay indoors and away from windows. Damaging winds and large hail can bring down trees and powerlines. So if you live near large trees, go to a basement if possible. If a destructive tagged severe thunderstorm warning is issued (wind gusts up to 80 mph +), treat it like a tornado warning.
FLASH FLOOD WARNING: DO NOT TRAVEL. Unless you are in a flood zone, or under an evacuation order, do not travel. Driving in a flash flood warning can be a life threatening situation. If you are already traveling, avoid flooded roads. If water is covering the road, TURN AROUND, DONT DOWN. The road could be washed out or unstable and may collapse.
TORNADO/SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH: Be prepared. There's no need for immediate action, but remain alert for any upgrades to warnings. Remember, a watch means conditions favor severe weather, but it does not mean it is imminent or occuring. Review your severe weather safety plan and be ready to take action if a warning is issued for your area.