The National Weather Service issued an updated tornado warning at 5:42 a.m. Thursday that is in effect until 6 a.m. for Elmore County.

“At 5:42 a.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado occurred 7 miles west of Tallassee and was moving east at 30 miles per hour,” the weather service said. “Flying debris poses a danger to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes are damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows and vehicles occurs. Tree damage is likely.”

The warning applies to Tallassee, Yates Dam and Yates Reservoir.

The weather service says, “Take cover now!” Go to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in an RV, or in a vehicle, go to the nearest shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

Tornado Watches and Warnings: Your Safety Guide

When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning can be vital. Let’s break it down:

Tornado Watch: Be Prepared!

• A tornado watch serves as an early warning that conditions are conducive to the formation of a tornado.
• It’s your signal to review your emergency plans, make sure your supplies are in order, and identify your safe space.
• Although this is not an indication of an imminent tornado, it is a warning to be prepared to take action quickly if a tornado warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.
• Tornado watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center and often cover a wide area, possibly several counties or even states.

Tornado Warning: Take Action!

• A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or detected by weather radar.
• This is the reality: there is imminent danger to life and property.
• Your response should be quick: seek shelter indoors on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
• If you are in an RV, vehicle, or trapped outdoors, find the nearest suitable shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
• Warnings are issued by your local forecast office and pinpoint a much smaller area, usually the size of a city or small county, where a tornado has been identified either by radar or by reports from trained spotters and law enforcement.

To stay safe during tornado season, it is paramount to know the difference between these two warnings. Stay informed, have a plan and act immediately if danger threatens.

Be prepared for tornadoes

Stay Weatherproof:

Check the weather forecast regularly to determine if you are at risk for tornadoes. Listen to local news or NOAA weather radio to stay up to date on tornado watches and warnings.

Sign up for alerts:

Learn how your community sends alerts. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others rely on media and smartphones to warn residents of severe storms that can trigger tornadoes.

Create a communication plan:

Create a family emergency plan that includes a specific meeting location and important contact information. If your home doesn’t have a basement, look for a safe building nearby, such as a basement. B. a church or a relative’s house that you can quickly reach.

Choose a safe shelter:

Choose a safe room in your home, such as: B. a basement, a storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor without windows.

Create a communication plan:

Conduct a regular family thunderstorm drill so everyone knows what to do if a tornado approaches. Make sure everyone in your family knows to go when tornado warnings are issued. Don’t forget pets if time permits.

Prepare your home:

Consider reinforcing your safe space. The Federal Emergency Management Agency website has plans for reinforcing an interior space to provide better protection.

Help your neighbor:

Encourage loved ones to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is injured.

What to do if a tornado hits?

When a tornado strikes, acting quickly is critical to ensure your safety and minimize potential damage. Follow these weather service guidelines:

Stay informed:

Stay alert and stay informed by listening to local newscasts or NOAA weather radio for tornado watches and warnings.

At home:

If you are under a tornado warning, immediately seek refuge in your basement, a safe room, or an indoor area without windows. If you have enough time, bring your pets with you.

At work or school:

If you are at your workplace or school, follow tornado drill procedures. Get to your designated tornado shelter immediately and calmly, avoiding large open areas such as cafeterias, gymnasiums or auditoriums, and staying away from windows.

Outside:

If a tornado is on the way, immediately seek shelter in a sturdy building. Sheds, storage rooms, RVs and tents are not safe places.

In a vehicle:

It is extremely dangerous to be in a vehicle during a tornado. The best thing to do is drive to the nearest animal shelter. If it is not possible to reach shelter, either stay in your car and cover your head, or exit the vehicle and seek shelter in a lower area such as a ditch or ravine.

Always remember that if a tornado threat is imminent, acting quickly and following established safety procedures are critical to your well-being.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots that uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.