Tornado Season is Here
by Gary Lesoing
Extension Educator - Nemaha County- University of Nebraska Lincoln
This past month there have been a few tornadoes confirmed in Nebraska. We are just moving in to the heart of tornado season in Nebraska. May has been the month when we have had some of our most devastating tornadoes in the Midwest the past few years. As we move into the tornado season, we must be aware of the danger of tornadoes does.
Are you ready for a tornado? Do you know what to do if a tornado is headed your way? With severe weather beginning, it's time to be prepared for tornadoes. This time of year we are very vulnerable to severe weather, including tornadoes in our area. tornadoes can occur anytime of the year.
What are some things we should do to be prepared for a possible tornado? First, you need to have a placein your home where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or else in a center hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest floor if there is no basement. If you are in a high-rise building, go to a place to the lowest floor. Your place of work should also have a tornado plan. If you are unaware of it, find out what it is.
If there is a storm warning issued for your area, listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated stom information. You need to know the difference between a tornado WATCH and WARNING.
A tornado WATCH means a tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area. A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed in your area. Go to safety immediately. If a tornado WATCH is issued, listen to your radio and TV and be alert to changing weather conditions. Environmental clues that indicate a tornado may be developing include: a dark, often greenish sky, a wall cloud approaching and large hail. Blowinng debris may also be a sign of an approaching tornado. People say a tornado sounds like a freight train.
If a tornado WARNING is issued go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and flying objects. If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area. If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety as described above. After the tornado passes, watch out fo fallen power lines and listen to the radio for information and instructions. Use a flashlight to inspect the damage , never use candles! A gas line may have ruptured, leavinng highly combustible natural gas or propane in the area.
The most important thing is to be prepared for a tornado and don't take the threat of a tornado lightly. The destruction and devastation from tornadoes can be unbelievable. If you have questions about tornadoes or other issues of agronomy, agriculture or horticulture, contact me at the University of Nebraska Extension Office in Nemaha County at 1824 'N' St. in Auburn (402)274-4755.