Tornado emergency facts for kids
A tornado emergency is a very serious type of tornado warning used in the United States. The National Weather Service (NWS) issues these special alerts when a huge and extremely dangerous tornado is happening or is about to hit. It's not a brand new kind of warning, but it's added to a regular tornado warning to show how urgent the situation is.
When you hear about a tornado emergency, it means experts expect a very strong tornado to cause a lot of damage over a wide area. This kind of tornado can be very dangerous and cause serious harm. People in the path of such a storm need to take safety steps right away.
These warnings are meant to tell everyone how serious the weather is. If you are in or near where a big tornado is expected, you should immediately find a safe place. Weather experts usually confirm these tornadoes with radar or by seeing them. They will describe it as "a large and extremely dangerous tornado." If you have an underground shelter or a safe room, that's the best place to go.
Sometimes, even very large tornadoes don't cause as much damage or harm as expected. But it's always best to be prepared. A similar alert, called a flash flood emergency, is used when severe floods threaten towns.
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How Tornado Emergencies Started
The First Time It Was Used
The idea of a tornado emergency first came about on May 3, 1999. On that day, a massive and powerful F5 tornado struck towns like Bridge Creek and Moore in Oklahoma. This was just south of Oklahoma City.
David Andra, a weather expert at the NWS office in Norman, Oklahoma, saw this huge tornado approaching. He realized they needed a stronger way to tell people about the extreme danger. So, he issued the very first "Tornado Emergency." It was a special message sent out with the regular tornado warning.
The message warned people in the path of the tornado to take immediate precautions because it was an "extremely dangerous and life threatening situation."
Andra later explained: "As the large tornado approached western sections of the OKC metro area, we asked ourselves more than once, 'Are we doing all we can do to provide the best warnings and information?' It became apparent that unique and eye-catching phrases needed to be included in the products. At one point we used the phrase 'Tornado Emergency' to paint the picture that a rare and deadly tornado was imminent in the metro area. We hoped that such dire phrases would prompt action from anyone that still had any questions about what was about to happen."
Making Warnings Even Better
Over time, weather experts worked to make tornado warnings even more effective. A huge event called the 2011 Super Outbreak happened on April 27, 2011. During this day, a record 216 tornadoes hit the southeastern U.S. Local NWS offices issued 16 tornado emergencies for many of these powerful storms. This showed how important these special warnings were.
In 2012, the National Weather Service started an experimental program called Impact Based Warning (IBW). This program allowed weather offices to add more details to warnings, like how much damage was expected. It also led to a new type of warning called a Particularly Dangerous Situation Tornado Warning, which is also very serious.
By 2016, the IBW system and tornado emergencies were used nationwide. All NWS offices received training to use them consistently. Now, a tornado emergency is issued when there's a very serious threat to people's lives and when catastrophic damage is happening or about to happen.
The first tornado emergency in the Northeastern United States was issued on September 1, 2021. This happened when a large tornado, caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida, was heading towards populated areas in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Sometimes, a tornado emergency is issued based on initial reports, but later surveys show the tornado wasn't as strong or didn't touch down as expected. For example, on April 15, 2022, an emergency was issued in Arkansas based on reports of a large tornado. However, it was later found that the damage was caused by strong straight-line winds and hail, not a tornado. This can happen when radar signals are unclear or when people mistake certain clouds for tornadoes. It shows how challenging it can be for weather forecasters to make these critical decisions quickly.
What Makes a Tornado Emergency?
Since 2016, there are clear rules for when a tornado emergency can be issued. Weather experts need to confirm a tornado using radar or by eyewitness reports. They also need evidence that the tornado is very strong and dangerous.
Here are the main things that must be true:
- A large and extremely dangerous tornado has been confirmed and is still active.
- The tornado is expected to cause a huge impact, meaning a lot of damage.
- The tornado is expected to be very dangerous and could cause many injuries or be life-threatening.
For example, the NWS office in Jackson, Mississippi, says they issue a tornado emergency when there's a high risk of a "killer or violent tornado" that is rated EF3 or stronger.
The NWS office in Nashville, Tennessee, also has specific rules. They look for:
- A confirmed large tornado causing significant damage in a populated area.
- Radar showing signs of debris being lifted by the tornado.
- The tornado is expected to cause widespread damage and be very dangerous.
Staying Safe During a Tornado Emergency
When a large and dangerous tornado is approaching, especially during a tornado emergency, it's super important to know how to stay safe.
- Go underground: The safest places are a basement, cellar, or a specially built safe room. These places offer the best protection from strong winds and flying debris.
- If you can't go underground: Go to an inside room on the lowest floor of your home. Stay away from windows.
- Protect yourself: Cover your head and body with something thick, like mattresses or blankets. This can help protect you from falling pieces of your house if the roof or ceiling collapses. If you are outside and can't get to a building, find a low spot like a ditch or a pit. Lie down and cover your head and neck with your arms.
- Have a disaster kit ready: This kit should include important items you might need if the power goes out or you have to leave your home.
- Stay informed: Keep listening to local weather alerts on a weather radio or your phone.
What to Put in Your Disaster Kit
Your disaster kit should have enough supplies for at least three days. Here's what to include:
- Water: One gallon per person per day.
- Food: Non-perishable items that don't need cooking. Don't forget a can opener!
- Radio: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio to get weather updates.
- Flashlight: And extra batteries.
- Whistle: To signal for help if you are trapped.
- Dust masks: One for every person to help with breathing if there's a lot of dust.
- Wipes and garbage bags: For personal hygiene.
- Medications: Any prescription medicines and glasses you need.
- Baby supplies: Infant formula and diapers if you have a baby.
- Pet supplies: Food, extra water, and a collar and leash for your pets.
- First aid kit: And a first aid book to know how to use it.
- Important papers: Identification, insurance policies, and bank information. Keep these in a waterproof bag.
- Money: Some cash and coins, in case ATMs or card readers don't work.
- Fire extinguisher: A small one can be very helpful.
- Hygiene items: And feminine supplies.
- Blankets: One for each person.
- Clothing: A change of clothes and sturdy shoes for each person.
- Pen and paper: For notes or messages.
- Fun items: Books, games, or stuffed animals for children to help pass the time.
Learn More About Tornadoes
- List of United States tornado emergencies
- Tornado warning
- List of tornadoes and tornado outbreaks
