Tornado threat continues through the weekend

Forecasters are predicting multiple days of tornadoes with the threat continuing throughout the weekend for much of the area known as Tornado Alley, which covers the southern Plains of the U.S., including portions of Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and South Dakota. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says this area experiences a higher frequency of tornadoes than the rest of the country – between five to six times the national average.

May is the most active month for tornadoes, averaging about 277 from 1995 to 2014, or approximately nine per day. The April average is 186 and in June the number drops to around 219. Last year was a particularly quiet year for tornadoes with only 130 reported in May.

Warning or watch?

Residents of areas prone to severe storms should be familiar with tornado terminology. A watch means that tornadoes are possible in the area. A warning means that a tornado has been spotted in the area or identified by radar and poses an imminent threat. Individuals in the affected location should take cover immediately in an interior room without windows, a basement or storm shelter. Because flying debris is the greatest threat from a tornado, protective coverings such as mattresses, sleeping bags or heavy blankets should be used for cover.

In buildings without a basement, NOAA says residents should go to a small interior room or closet, an interior hallway or under a stairwell. A bathtub also may offer partial protection. Although there are no safe options for individuals in vehicles, if traffic is light it may be possible to drive out of the path of the tornado by traveling at a right angle to the storm. Individuals who get caught by extreme winds should move out of the traffic lanes, stay in the car with the seatbelt on, keep their heads down below the windows and place a blanket, coat or other covering over their heads to protect themselves from flying debris. If it's possible to get to an area lower than the roadway, they should leave their cars and lie in that area, covering their heads with their hands. They should not seek shelter under bridges, which offer little protection and can frequently become deadly traffic hazards. More information on where to seek shelter can be found on the NOAA website.