National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Nashville, TN

Weather Forecast Office

Tornadoes

Weather.gov > Nashville, TN > Tornadoes

 

Storm Planning Timeline

Don’t wait until the day of the storm to begin protecting yourself. If the forecast calls for severe weather, begin preparing NOW. Stay Weather-Ready.

Storm Planning Timeline. If the forecast calls for severe weather in a few days, start preparing now: make sure that you have emergency supplies; know your safe places; have a family communications plan. The day before, forecast accuracy continues to improve: adjust plans; make sure your phone can receive WEAs; ensure your shelter is clean and accessible. The day of, remain vigilant and aware of any active Watches - a Warning may be issued at a moment's notice: remind your family of the communication plan; know how to evacuation and/or get to safety from wherever you are; whenever a Warning is issued, you may only have seconds to take action!

 

Tornado Watch versus Warning

A Tornado WATCH means Be Prepared. A Tornado WARNING means Take Action!

1. A Tornado Watch mean be prepared. A Tornado Watch is issued when a tornado is possible. Know your safe place, such as a storm shelter, basement, or interior hall away from windows, and be prepared to act if a Warning is issued. 2. A Tornado Warning means take action! A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado is happening or about to happen. Immediately seek shelter in your safe place!

 

Tornado Terminology

A Tornado WATCH means BE PREPARED. A Tornado WARNING or EMERGENCY means TAKE ACTION. In the event of a Tornado Watch, pay close attention to the weather and stay aware. Be ready to act because there is a possibility of tornadoes. In the event of a Tornado Warning, seek shelter immediately, and go to an interior room on the lowest floor of a safe building because a tornado is happening or will happen soon. Avoid windows and cover your head to protect yourself from flying debris from the tornado. Taking action early can help save lives!

Tornado Terminology. Tornado Watch means weather conditions can lead to the formation of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Be prepared and know your safe place. Be ready to act quickly if a Warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching. Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been observed or indicated by weather radar so a tornado is occurring or expected soon. Take action. There is an imminent danger to life and property. Seek shelter immediately in the safest place possible. Tornado Emergency is an extremely rare situation with serious danger to life and catastrophic damage due to a confirmed violent tornado. Take action. There is an imminent danger to life and property. Seek shelter immediately in the safest place possible.

 

Tornadoes and Road Safety

During a tornado, seeking refuge in a vehicle or under an overpass is NOT safe. If you are outside during a tornado warning, the best option is to drive to a designated shelter, basement, or safe room.

TORNADOES AND ROAD SAFETY. 1) What To Do: Get off the road. The best option is to drive to a designated shelter, basement or safe room. The next best option is a small, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. 2) What No To Do: Do not seek refuge in a vehicle, outside or under an overpass. A highway overpass does not provide safety from a tornado. Do not seek shelter under an overpass or a tree. This puts you at greater risk of being killed or seriously injured by flying debris from the powerful tornadic winds.

 

Helping Others: Tornadoes

Some people are especially vulnerable to weather hazards. When a Tornado Warning is issued, the standard safety action is to immediately take shelter in a safe place. However, people with a lower-level of mobility, such as the elderly or disabled, may need to take action beforehand, such as when a Tornado Watch is issued. Help them and others in your community prepare by helping them identify a safe space, practicing (and timing) tornado drills with them, and showing them how to receive Tornado Watches and Warnings.

Helping Others: Tornadoes. Help others identify a safe place (often a basement or interior room away from windows). Practice (and time) tornado prep drills with them. Show them how to receive Tornado Watches and Warnings.

 

Your Safe Place from Tornadoes

Tornadoes can be extremely dangerous. Safe places include storm shelters and basements — but if not available, an interior room without windows can also be protective. If you receive a tornado warning, take shelter immediately!

Your safe place from tornadoes: tornadoes can be extremely dangerous. Safe places are storm shelters and basements, but if not available, an interior room without windows can also be protective. If you receive a tornado warning, take shelter immediately!

 

Tornado Safety for Manufactured/Mobile Homes

 

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