Tornadoes

Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can happen anytime and anywhere. They can bring intense winds of more than 200 mph.



If you are under a Tornado Warning, find safe shelter right away!

• If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
• Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
• If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
• Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
• Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

Risks from tornadoes

• Downed trees and power lines
• Damaged or destroyed property
• Large and small flying debris

Before a tornado

• Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
• Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar (similar to a freight train).
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
• Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
• Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.

During a tornado

• Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
• Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
• If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.

After a tornado

• Keep listening to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, and local authorities for updated information.
• If you are trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.
• Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.
• Do not enter damaged buildings until you are told that they are safe.
• Save your phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends.
• Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves.
• Watch for fallen power lines and trees. Do not go near a fallen power line! Report them to Duke Energy Progress at 800-452-2777.