On Thursday at 10:33 p.m. a tornado warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until 11 p.m.
"At 10:33 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over I-16/I-95 Interchange, moving northwest at 55 mph," according to the NWS. "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."
Locations impacted by the warning include Pooler, Godley Station, Savannah International Airport, I-16/I-95 Interchange, Downtown Savannah, Hunter Army Airfield, Rincon, Garden City, Port Wentworth and Bloomingdale. This includes the following highways: I-16 between mile markers 153 and 163. I-95 in Georgia between mile markers 96 and 108.
According to the NWS, "Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built building away from 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. Tornadoes from tropical storms or hurricanes can form and move very quickly. TAKE COVER IMMEDIATELY! If you wait until you hear a tornado, it could be too late. Take action now to protect yourself."
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 is your advance warning that conditions are ripe for tornado formation.
• It's your signal to review your emergency plans, ensure your supplies are in order, and identify 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 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 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.
Prepare for a tornado
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 notifications:
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.
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.
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 NWS:
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 find yourself under a tornado warning, immediately seek refuge in your basement, safe room, or an interior room without windows. If there's enough time, bring your pets with you.
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:
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:
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.
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.
Source: The National Weather Service
