Tornado emergency

A tornado emergency is a stronger wording of tornado warnings used by the National Weather Service in the United States. It is used when a large, powerful tornado is in an area with a lot of people. It means that a very large amount of damage and a high possibility of a lot of deaths are expected.

Large, powerful tornadoes can cause a very large amount of damage when striking areas with a lot of people.

The term was first used on May 3, 1999 when an F5 tornado hit just south of Oklahoma City in Moore. Between 5:30 and 6:00 PM, a large, powerful tornado was heading for Oklahoma City, leading to the first tornado emergency.

Tornado safety

If people are in a tornado's path, they should follow these safety tips:

• Go underground.
• If there is no floor beneath your house, go to the nearest storm shelter, safe room, or go to the center of the house and stay away from windows and doors.
• If you are outside, get into a pit or somewhere low, cover your head and neck.
• Bring a disaster preparedness kit which includes:

  • water, a gallon per person per day
  • food, non-perishable and can opener
  • battery or hand crank radio
  • flashlight and batteries
  • whistle
  • dust mask for every person
  • moist hand wipes and garbage bags
  • prescription medication and glasses
  • infant formula and diapers
  • pet food, extra water, collar and leash
  • first aid kit and first aid book
  • important documents such as identification, insurance policies and bank information
  • cash and coins
  • fire extinguisher
  • hygiene items and feminine supplies
  • blankets for each individual
  • change of clothing for each individual and sturdy shoes
  • paper and writing utensil
  • books, games and stuffed animals for children

Tornado emergency example

377 
WFUS53 KPAH 110326
TORPAH
KYC083-110415-
/O.NEW.KPAH.TO.W.0038.211211T0326Z-211211T0415Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Paducah KY
926 PM CST Fri Dec 10 2021

...TORNADO EMERGENCY FOR Mayfield...

The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
 Central Graves County in western Kentucky...

* Until 1015 PM CST.
    
* At 925 PM CST, a confirmed large and destructive tornado was
  observed over Mayfield, moving northeast at 60  
mph.

  TORNADO EMERGENCY for Mayfield! This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS 
SITUATION. TAKE COVER NOW!

  HAZARD...Deadly tornado.

  SOURCE...Weather spotters confirmed tornado.

  IMPACT...You are in a life-threatening situation. Flying debris 
           may be deadly to those caught without shelter. Mobile 
           homes will be destroyed. Considerable damage to homes, 
           businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete 
           destruction is possible.

* This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
  central Graves County.

This includes Interstate 69 in Kentucky between Mile Markers 18 and
25.
 
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

To repeat, a large, extremely dangerous and potentially deadly
tornado is on the ground. To protect your life, TAKE COVER NOW! Move
to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid
windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle or outdoors, move to the
closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3667 8869 3672 8875 3679 8865 3672 8857
TIME...MOT...LOC 0325Z 240DEG 52KT 3672 8868 

TORNADO...OBSERVED
TORNADO DAMAGE THREAT...CATASTROPHIC
MAX HAIL SIZE...2.50 IN

$$

PS