Alright. Let’s get this one out of the way. When people think of Oklahoma, they think of tornadoes. I get it, seeing the images can be very scary. Let’s chat about it.
The first thing I want to say, as much as I LOVED Twisters, it isn't very accurate. You won't be on the baseball field when a tornado is about to barrel down on your town and the outdoor festival would have been canceled too. Instead, you'll be fixated on the TV watching your favorite meteorologist.
Watching the weather is like an event in Oklahoma City. We know when the meteorologist busts out his sparkly tie, it's a day to be weather-aware. Some people have even invented drinking games while watching the weather, although I have not participated. We all know what it meant when we heard “GET HIM ON THE GENTNER!” and we know it's time for lunch when tornado sirens sound every Saturday at noon (test). This section was mostly for my Oklahoma people, but it just goes to show that we take bad weather days very seriously.
How to prepare for severe weather
The most important thing to know is to stay weather-aware during storm season (April to June) or when severe weather is expected. Watch both the morning and evening news so you know what to expect, and check a local mobile app daily. If severe weather is expected, know the difference between a tornado watch and a warning.
Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable for tornadoes. This happens a lot during storm season and is common, while actual tornadoes are rare.
Tornado Warning: Confirmed or radar-indicated tornado. Time to seek shelter if you are in the path. Radar-indicated may not mean a tornado is one the ground, but it can touch down at any time. Tornado sirens will sound and the weather channels and apps can track the exact location and path of the Tornado.
There are times we see more than on tornado warning at a time in the viewing area. They may not be tracking the path on TV since they have to bounce back a forth. This is why it is important to know where you are and some of the surrounding towns or streets.
Tornado Emergency: While rare, this means a devastating tornado is imminent or on the ground. You will need to be in a shelter as anything in it’s path will be destroyed. You will know days in advance that conditions are favorable for this type of tornado, but it doesn’t mean we will see it. It just means you must have a plan in place so you do not panic should you need to seek shelter.
Have a plan
The most important thing is to have a plan or yourself/your family! Who will pick up kids incase of severe weather? Will they go to school if conditions are favorable for a large scale tornado? Where will you go if you don’t have a shelter? Where will you meet family should communications in the area be down? Have your plan in place and talk about it again the day of. Plan to be home by a certain time so you are not on the road when storms start. Here is a post from our local news station about how to plan for a tornado. I’m not a fan of the title, but scary headlines get more clicks.
https://www.koco.com/article/surviving-a-tornado-five-things-to-know/20107265
When I know we are expecting severe weather, I like to pack up all my important documents, medications, and electronics in a bag. This way I can take it with me to the shelter. If the worse happens, I have what we need.
I also get out the dog leashes so I'm not looking for them and I don't end up having to carry a dog through the rain.
Advance Notice
You will know several days to a week in advance if you need to prepare for possible severe weather. As for the rare and extremely strong tornadoes you have seen on the national news – The local weather stations know these extreme weather days are possible days in advance! You will have time to prepare and make a plan.
I like watching the meteorologists’ lives on Facebook the morning of predicted severe weather. They give a very detailed breakdown of possible storm development and will update throughout the day when they are not on the air. Once the weather starts, be prepared to miss all your shows because they will take over the TV even if the storms are far from your home.
Like many Oklahomans, I have lived here for about 30 years and have never actually seen a tornado, but we are all saddened by the devastation our state has faced in the past. Does it make us want to move? NO WAY! You are most likely to see damage to your home from hail than a tornado.
Tornado Shelters
Many homes already have tornado shelters, or one can be installed for piece of mind. You most commonly find them in garages or in the backyard. Some homes even have tornado safe rooms.
Most years, you will never use a shelter since the tracking is so accurate, but I do recommend having one installed if you do not have a friend or neighbor nearby who will let you use theirs. Many schools now have tornado shelters as well, but public shelters are NOT COMMON and pets are not allowed.
When my clients purchase new construction I always recommend they ask for a shelter to be installed. Many times the builder will cover it with an offer. If not, they start around $3500.
Weather radio
Having a weather radio at home is important. While we rely on our phones for notifications, a weather radio is tried and true and can notify you if the power is out or communications are down.
Update
We recently had sever weather in November and homes were damaged by what many would say was an unexpected tornado. While we did know severe weather was possible that day and we were under a tornado watch, many of us went to bed and didn't check in on the weather as the rain rolled through. Overnight, several tornadoes touched down. Some say they didn't have much of a warning. This is why it is so important to have a safe place and why it is so important to check in on the weather regardless of the time of year.
The thought of a tornado is really scary, but being hit by a tornado is extremely rare and most tornadoes do not cause loss of life.
Have more questions? Contact me from here! I'm happy to answer any questions.
