Understanding tornadoes and knowing your safe space

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Tornadoes are arguably probably the most damaging sort of extreme climate that we expertise right here within the Midwest.

Since 1950, Wisconsin has averaged about 20 tornadoes every year, most of these occurring within the month of June. Nonetheless, we all know that tornadoes can actually occur any time of 12 months. Up to now 70 years, there have been 15 tornadoes in December and three in January within the state. Plus, southern Wisconsin has already seen 9 tornadoes to date this spring.

Tornadoes come in several shapes, sizes, and intensities. The Nationwide Climate Service charges twister power in keeping with the EF Scale- starting from an EF0 that will take down some timber to an EF5 that would decimate complete cities. About 95% of Wisconsin tornadoes are EF2 power (max winds of 135 mph) or weaker, however now we have had some stronger ones. Simply two years in the past there was an EF3 that went via Boscobel.

So how will you keep secure from a twister? By sheltering in the best spot.

That may change relying on the place you might be or what sort of constructing you’re in:

• Home: interior-most room of the basement
  • Home with out a basement: Inside room, away from home windows like a toilet, closet, or hallway
• Condo: Hallway, closet, lavatory, constructing stairwell or underground parking storage
• Cell Dwelling: Neighborhood storm shelter, close by enterprise, or good friend’s home
• Enterprise: Designated storm shelter, storage closet, or lavatory
• Outdoor: Nearest storm shelter/constructing, in any other case lay in a ditch/ravine away from timber.
• Driving: Get inside the closest constructing. In any other case, pull over, get out of the automobile, and lay in a ditch/ravine away from timber.
  • Do NOT keep within the automotive below a bridge or in a tunnel

The underside line is that it is best to get to the bottom stage, and be within the inside most space away from home windows. It’s all the time a plus should you can seize one thing like a pillow or blanket to cowl your head with. It’s additionally a good suggestion to place some sneakers on, in case there’s any particles after the storm.

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