Tornado

Summer season brings us warmer temperatures, thunderstorms, hail, and other forms of severe weather, including tornadoes. You can improve your chances of survival by being prepared.

 Listen to radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest National Weather Service Bulletins.

• “Tornado Watch” means that tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are possible. The National Weather Services issues tornado watches if the conditions are right for a tornado. This will be broadcast on your local radio and television stations. When you hear a tornado watch in the Spearfish area you should stay alert to weather conditions and be prepared to take cover if a tornado should develop.
• Severe thunderstorms, hail, a loud roaring noise, and funnel clouds are signs that a tornado may be
  nearby.
• If the weather condition is upgraded to a tornado warning, it means that there has been a tornado detected and you should take shelter immediately. “Tornado Warning” means that a tornado is detected. Take shelter immediately.
• If there is a tornado spotted in this area, attempts to notify you will be made two different ways, the civil defense cable interrupt system and the civil defense siren. The interrupt will come over your cable television if you are a Mid Continent television customer. The civil defense siren is a nonbroken, continuous tone that will last up to 3 minutes.
• When you become aware of a tornado in your area you should
  •  take cover in a basement or interior of your home. If you live in a mobile home, leave at once and seek another shelter.
  • If you are outdoors, seek shelter in a ditch or low area on the ground. Avoid trees, power lines, and telephone poles.
  • If you are in a motor vehicle do not attempt to outrun the tornado, stop and get out immediately, seek shelter away from your vehicle.
  • If you are in a public area, go to a low interior area of the building, use a stairway if needed, do not use an elevator.
  • Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Protect your head.
  • Go to the pre-designated shelter areas, basement or to an interior part of the lowest level – closets,bathrooms, or interior halls. Get under something.
• Pre-designated Shelter: Donald E. Young Sports & Fitness Center

Tornadoes are rare in this area but can and do happen here. We all need to be alert to the weather conditions, act quickly when a tornado is detected, and remain calm. You and your family should know in advance what to do if the civil defense warnings are issued.