Tropical cyclone warning: Tornado Watch in Effect for UNCW Area Tropical cyclone warning: Tornado Watch in Effect for UNCW Area Posted on May 16, 2017 at 1:00 pm EDT by Weather Underground Tropical cyclone warning: Tornado Watch in Effect for UNCW Area On May 15, the National Weather Service (NWS) put out a tropical cyclone warning that said a Tornado Watch was in effect for New Hanover County and the surrounding region until 2 a.m. EDT May 16.
What is a Tornado Watch?
If you are living in an area under a tornado watch, be mindful of possible upcoming thunderstorms and tornadoes.
The best place to go is inside. If you are outdoors, take shelter immediately. Tune in to your local radio and TV stations and follow the instructions given by emergency officials.
Tornado watches may also be issued when there is a possibility of dangerous storm conditions such as flooding and hail.
Storms with heavy rain could produce localized flooding, especially if they come on quickly after dry periods.
These storms could also produce large hail or frequent lightning strikes which can strike 10 miles away from the actual storms.
What Does This Mean for the UNCW Area?
The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Watch for New Hanover County and the surrounding areas this morning.
What does this mean for you? If you live on campus, you should make sure your dorm room is prepared with supplies like bottled water, canned foods, first-aid kits, and important documents.
If you live off campus, make sure your home or apartment is prepared with supplies like bottled water, canned foods, first-aid kits and important documents.
If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter inside a sturdy building away from windows and doors if severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible.
Stay tuned to local news reports for more information about tornado watches and warnings.
The storm may be weakening, but the University of North Carolina at Wilmington’s safety website recommends that all faculty and staff remain at work today unless otherwise instructed.
The risk for tornado formation may decrease later today, but as always it is imperative to stay alert throughout all conditions.
Remember that when a tornado watch has been issued by the National Weather Service, it only means there is an increased chance of a tornado being formed in the storm.
It doesn’t guarantee one will happen, so continue to monitor weather forecasts regularly if you’re living in an area with any level of danger from storms during these times.
Make sure your phone is charged and can receive text alerts so that you don’t miss out on anything happening! There could be power outages, downed trees, and even flooding.
Stay safe, everyone! The bottom line is that tornado watches do not ensure tornado formations will occur – however, they do signal heightened risk.
These watches come with specific instructions – whether or not to go outside; whether or not to head indoors; what types of structures are safest to hide in (typically basements) – so keep up with the latest reports to decide how you’ll act accordingly.
And remember: tornado warning sounds typically last about two minutes, meaning two minutes for each person in the home until going under cover.
How Can I Stay Safe During a Tornado ?
Stay tuned to the latest weather reports, if a tornado watch is issued find shelter immediately and monitor local news outlets.
Be sure to keep your car’s gas tank full in case you need to leave quickly. Pack an emergency kit that includes a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries; food and water; copies of important family documents; first aid kit; and any medication needed.
Keep your phone charged as well. Stay away from windows during the storm and be sure to stay away from large trees or power lines that could fall during high winds.
In the event of an actual tornado, seek shelter in the lowest level of your building near an interior wall.
If there is no basement, move under heavy furniture like a workbench or heavy table – even on its side – that would shield you from flying debris such as broken glass.
Crouch as low as possible to the floor and cover your head with anything available. Hold onto your children. Use child car seats only when the tornado watch expires and not before.
Your child should always ride in a rear-facing car seat until at least 2 years old or until they outgrow their weight/height an area tornado watch means severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in and near that region.
It does not mean they will happen! Tornado watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center to give people time to prepare and try to stay safe.
Stay tuned to the latest weather reports, if a tornado watch is issued find shelter immediately and monitor local news outlets. Be sure to keep your car’s gas tank full in case you need to leave quickly.
Pack an emergency kit that includes a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries; food and water; copies of important family documents; first aid kit; and any medication needed.
Keep your phone charged as well. Stay away from windows during the storm and be sure to stay away from large trees or power lines that could fall during high winds.
In the event of an actual tornado, seek shelter in the lowest level of your building near an interior wall.
What Should I Do if I’m Under a Tornado Warning?
If you are under a tornado watch, the National Weather Service recommends getting ready by making sure you have a plan of action to take shelter.
If you are under a tornado warning, there is no time to waste and should immediately find shelter.
If your home or building is not safe, go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of your house or building.
If you live in an apartment, go to the ground floor apartment that’s furthest from where the storm is coming from.
If there is not time for that, find some other place with little debris nearby like a closet, bathroom or hallway on the lowest level of your house.
If you cannot get inside because power lines are down or flooding prevents access, stay as low as possible near the ground away from any objects flying through the air such as trees, signs and cars. Get in a car trunk if you can safely do so.
Do not try to outrun them but make yourself a smaller target by crouching close to the ground.
Put your head down below your shoulders and cover it with any available object such as blankets or pillows until it passes over you .
Stay clear of windows and glass doors. Never open windows or doors! If you are in a high-rise building, stay inside an innermost area away from the exterior walls and windows.