Tornado Preparedness

A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air that is touching the ground. Tornado wind speeds vary from 40 miles an hour for the weakest up to 300 miles an hour or greater for the most violent. Tornadoes are most common in eastern New Mexico in the spring, but they can occur anywhere. There have been tornado deaths in western areas of the state and near mountain communities. Here's some facts on tornadoes (and hail) in New Mexico.

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma issues a TORNADO WATCH to give you advance notice that tornadoes are possible in your area. This gives you time to make preliminary plans for moving to a safe location if a tornado warning is issued.

A TORNADO WARNING is an urgent announcement that a tornado has been reported or is imminent, and warns you to take cover immediately. The following are instructions on what to do when a tornado warning has been issued for your area or whenever a tornado threatens:

IN HOMES OR SMALL BUILDINGS:

Act quickly; seconds save lives. Do not open windows in your home during a Tornado Warning! This is an old myth that has been disproven.
Go to the basement (if available) or to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or bathroom.
If possible, get under a sturdy table or workbench.
Wrap yourself in overcoats or blankets to protect yourself from flying debris.
Be sure to stay clear of any threat of flying glass

IN MOBILE HOMES, AUTOMOBILES, OR RVs:

ABANDON THEM IMMEDIATELY!! Most deaths occur in cars and mobile homes. If you are in either of those locations, leave them and go to a substantial structure or designated tornado shelter.

Mobile homes provide no shelter in a tornado regardless of how well tied down, and should be abandoned for a storm shelter.
if you live in a mobile home, be sure you have a plan of safe action should the weather become threatening.
If no shelter is available, lie flat in a ditch or depression in the ground and use your hands to cover your head.

IN SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, FACTORIES, OR SHOPPING CENTERS:

Go to interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums and warehouses. Crouch down and cover your head.

IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS:

Go to interior small rooms or halls. Stay away from exterior walls or glassy areas.

Awareness Week

Local SKYWARN

NM Hazards

Weather Safety

Thunderstorms

Tornadoes

Lightning

Storm Report