At 4:11 a.m. Sunday, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning that was in effect until 4:45 a.m. The warning applies to Coweta, Fayette, Meriwether and Spalding counties.

“At 4:11 a.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado occurred over Wooster, 7 miles northeast of Greenville, moving northeast at 55 miles per hour,” the NWS said. “Flying debris will be dangerous for those caught without shelter. Mobile homes are damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows and vehicles occurs. Tree damage is likely.”

Locations affected by the warning include Peachtree City, Senoia, Luthersville, Brooks, Sharpsburg, Turin, Haralson, Woolsey, Gay, Rocky Mount, Starrs Mill, Vaughn, Inman, Alvaton, Digbey, Lake Horton and Wooster.

The NWS adds: “Take cover now! Moving 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 vehicle, find the nearest suitable 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 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.
• 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: 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 trained observers 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

Be 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:

Familiarize yourself with your community’s alert systems. Some locations have outdoor sirens, while others rely on media and smartphone notifications during severe storms.

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.

Practice your plan:

Conduct regular family drills for severe thunderstorms so everyone knows what to do if a tornado threat arises. Make sure all family members know the safe place to seek shelter and don’t forget your pets if time permits.

Prepare your home:

Consider reinforcing your safe room for additional protection. Plans for fortifying an interior can be found 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 help with injuries.

Tornado Survival Guide: Immediate Actions to Keep You Safe

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

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 at home, go to your basement, a designated safe room, or an indoor area away from windows. Keep your pets safe when time permits.

At work or school:

Follow your tornado drill and move quickly and calmly to your tornado shelter location. Stay away from windows and avoid going into large open spaces such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or lecture halls.

Outside:

If you are outdoors and a tornado is approaching, immediately seek shelter in a sturdy building. Remember that sheds, storage units, RVs, and tents are not safe options. If you have enough time, make your way to a safe structure.

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.

Remember that if a tornado is imminent, acting quickly and following safety protocols are critical to your well-being.

Source: The National Weather Service