Tornado Watch Issued for Several Northeast Ohio Counties

A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. It does not mean that a tornado has been spotted or is imminent. However, it is important to be prepared and take shelter if a tornado warning is issued.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for the following counties in Northeast Ohio:

• Ashtabula
• Cuyahoga
• Geauga
• Lake
• Lorain
• Medina
• Portage
• Summit
• Trumbull

The watch is in effect until 9 p.m. EDT.

What to do during a tornado watch:

• Be aware of the weather forecast. Listen to local news and weather reports for updates.
• Have a plan in place for where you will go if a tornado warning is issued. This could be a basement, storm cellar, or interior room on the lowest floor of your home.
• Gather emergency supplies. This includes food, water, first aid supplies, and a battery-powered radio.
• Stay away from windows. If a tornado warning is issued, go to your designated shelter and stay away from windows.

What to do during a tornado warning:

• Take shelter immediately. Go to your designated shelter and stay there until the warning has expired.
• Lie down flat and cover your head with your hands. This will help to protect you from flying debris.
• Stay away from windows. Windows can shatter and cause serious injuries.

Additional safety tips:

• If you are outside, lie down in a ditch or other low-lying area and cover your head with your hands.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado. Tornadoes can travel at speeds of up to 70 mph.
• If you are in a car, pull over to the side of the road and stay inside. Close your windows and turn on your hazard lights.

The National Weather Service recommends that all residents in the affected counties monitor the weather forecast closely and be prepared to take shelter if a tornado warning is issued.

Tornado Safety Statistics

According to the National Weather Service, tornadoes are the most violent and destructive type of storm that occurs in the United States. Each year, there are an average of 1,200 tornadoes reported in the United States.

The following statistics provide a snapshot of the tornado threat in the United States:

• Tornadoes can occur anywhere in the United States, but they are most common in the Great Plains and Southeast.
• Tornadoes can occur at any time of year, but they are most common in the spring and summer months.
• Tornadoes can range in size from small, weak tornadoes to large, violent tornadoes.
• The average tornado is about 1,000 feet wide and travels at speeds of up to 60 mph.
• Tornadoes can cause widespread damage and loss of life.

Tornado Safety Strategies

There are a number of things you can do to stay safe during a tornado. By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of injury or death.

Before a tornado:

• Be aware of the weather forecast. Listen to local news and weather reports for updates.
• Have a plan in place for where you will go if a tornado warning is issued. This could be a basement, storm cellar, or interior room on the lowest floor of your home.
• Gather emergency supplies. This includes food, water, first aid supplies, and a battery-powered radio.
• Stay away from windows. If a tornado warning is issued, go to your designated shelter and stay away from windows.

During a tornado:

• Take shelter immediately. Go to your designated shelter and stay there until the warning has expired.
• Lie down flat and cover your head with your hands. This will help to protect you from flying debris.
• Stay away from windows. Windows can shatter and cause serious injuries.

After a tornado:

• Check yourself and others for injuries. If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately.
• Check your home for damage. If your home is damaged, contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
• Be aware of the potential for additional tornadoes. Tornadoes can often occur in clusters, so it is important to be prepared for more tornadoes after the initial tornado has passed.

Pros and Cons of Different Tornado Shelters

There are a number of different types of tornado shelters available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The following table compares the pros and cons of three common types of tornado shelters:

The best type of tornado shelter for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you live in an area with a high risk of tornadoes, you may want to consider investing in a storm cellar. However, if you live in an area with a lower risk of tornadoes, an interior room on the lowest floor of your home may be sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tornadoes

Q: What is a tornado?

A: A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm cloud to the ground.

Q: What causes tornadoes?

A: Tornadoes are caused by the interaction of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico with cold, dry air from the north.

Q: How can I stay safe during a tornado?

A: The best way to stay safe during a tornado is to take shelter in a sturdy building. If you are outside, lie down in a ditch or other low-lying area and cover your head with your hands.

Q: What should I do after a tornado?

A: After a tornado, check yourself and others for injuries. If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately. Check your home for damage. If your home is damaged, contact your insurance company as soon as possible.

Q: What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?

A: A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted or is indicated by radar.

Q: What is the Fujita scale?

A: The Fujita scale is a measure of the intensity of tornadoes. The scale ranges from F0 to F5, with F5 being the most intense.

Call to Action

If you live in an area that is prone to tornadoes, it is important to be prepared. By following the tips in this article, you can reduce your risk of injury or death during a tornado.