At 12:28 a.m. Sunday, the National Weather Service issued an updated tornado warning that was in effect for Lowndes County until 12:45 a.m.

“At 12:28 a.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado moved northeast at 40 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 is for Hayneville.

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. Here’s a breakdown:

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 impetus to review and discuss your emergency plans, check your supplies, and find 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.
• The watches come from the Storm Prediction Center and often cover a large area, perhaps spanning multiple 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: move to an indoor area 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’s important to know the difference between these two warnings. Stay informed, have a plan and act immediately if danger threatens.

Prepare for a tornado

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:

Have a family plan ready that includes an emergency meeting location and related information. If you live in an RV or a home without a basement, look for a safe building nearby that you can get to quickly, such as a garage. B. a church or a family member.

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.

Practice your 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.

Secure 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 with:

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

Tornado Safety: What to do if the 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 informed by tuning in to local newscasts or using a NOAA weather radio to receive updates on 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:

Follow tornado drill instructions at work or school and move promptly and calmly to your designated tornado shelter. Avoid areas with large, open spaces such as cafeterias, gymnasiums or auditoriums and stay away from windows.

Outside:

If you are outdoors and a tornado is approaching, immediately seek shelter in a sturdy building. Sheds, storage rooms, RVs and tents are not safe. If you have time, get to a safe structure.

In a vehicle:

It is not safe to be in a vehicle during a tornado. The recommended action is to drive to the nearest animal shelter. If it is not possible to reach safe shelter, either get into your car and cover your head, or exit your vehicle and seek refuge 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.