(WLOS) — Severe Weather Preparedness Week for North Carolina continues today with a focus on severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.
About 10% of the thunderstorms in the U.S. each year are severe. A severe thunderstorm is defined as a storm with wind gusts of 58 mph or greater, or producing hail an inch or greater in diameter, or producing a tornado.
Severe thunderstorms are a threat to life and property, and should be taken seriously by seeking shelter inside a sturdy building and encouraging others to do the same.
NEWS 13 WEATHER
Tornadoes are rare in western North Carolina and more common in Upstate South Carolina. Even a weak tornado can produce major damage and be life-threatening.
If a Tornado Warning is issued where you are, go to your basement, or the lowest level of your home, away from windows and outside walls. For extra protection, cover your head with a helmet, and cover your body with blankets or a mattress to shield it from flying debris.
If you are on the road when a Tornado Warning is issued, exit your vehicle as soon as you can safely and go inside a sturdy building nearby, preferably one with a basement. Never seek shelter under an overpass or a tree.
Comment with Bubbles
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
Overpasses can become wind tunnels, while trees can fall on your vehicle or produce flying debris.
