Tornado emergency

A **tornado emergency** is a stronger wording of tornado warnings used by the National Weather Service in the United States. It is used when a large, powerful tornado is in an area with a lot of people. It means that a very large amount of damage and a high possibility of a lot of deaths are expected.

The term was first used on May 3, 1999 when an F5 tornado hit just south of Oklahoma City in Moore. Between 5:30 and 6:00 PM, a large, powerful tornado was heading for Oklahoma City, leading to the first tornado emergency.

## Tornado safety

If people are in a tornado's path, they should follow these safety tips:
- Go underground.
- If there is no floor beneath your house, go to the nearest storm shelter, safe room, or go to the center of the house and stay away from windows and doors.
- If you are outside, get into a pit or somewhere low, cover your head and neck.
- Bring a disaster preparedness kit which includes:
        - water, a gallon per person per day
        - food, non-perishable and can opener
        - battery or hand crank radio
        - flashlight and batteries
        - whistle
        - dust mask for every person
        - moist hand wipes and garbage bags
        - prescription medication and glasses
        - infant formula and diapers
        - pet food, extra water, collar and leash
        - first aid kit and first aid book
        - important documents such as identification, insurance policies and bank information
        - cash and coins
        - fire extinguisher
        - hygiene items and feminine supplies
        - blankets for each individual
        - change of clothing for each individual and sturdy shoes
        - paper and writing utensil
        - books, games and stuffed animals for children

## Tornado emergency example

377
 WFUS53 KPAH 110326
 TORPAH
 KYC083-110415-
 /O.NEW.KPAH.TO.W.0038.211211T0326Z-211211T0415Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
 Tornado Warning
 National Weather Service Paducah KY
 926 PM CST Fri Dec 10 2021

...TORNADO EMERGENCY FOR Mayfield...

The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a

- Tornado Warning for...
  Central Graves County in western Kentucky...

- Until 1015 PM CST.

- At 925 PM CST, a confirmed large and destructive tornado was
   observed over Mayfield, moving northeast at 60
 mph.

TORNADO EMERGENCY for Mayfield! This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS
 SITUATION. TAKE COVER NOW!

HAZARD...Deadly tornado.

SOURCE...Weather spotters confirmed tornado.

IMPACT...You are in a life-threatening situation. Flying debris
            may be deadly to those caught without shelter. Mobile
            homes will be destroyed. Considerable damage to homes,
            businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete
            destruction is possible.

- This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
   central Graves County.

This includes Interstate 69 in Kentucky between Mile Markers 18 and
 25.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

To repeat, a large, extremely dangerous and potentially deadly
 tornado is on the ground. To protect your life, TAKE COVER NOW! Move
 to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid
 windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle or outdoors, move to the
 closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3667 8869 3672 8875 3679 8865 3672 8857
 TIME...MOT...LOC 0325Z 240DEG 52KT 3672 8868

TORNADO...OBSERVED
 TORNADO DAMAGE THREAT...CATASTROPHIC
 MAX HAIL SIZE...2.50 IN

$$

PS