STOCKTON, Calif. — Following an unexpected tornado warning in counties across the Central Valley on Thursday, many have been left wondering what to do in the event of an actual tornado.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has some helpful tips on how to stay safe during a tornado and what action to take when a tornado warning is announced.
Tornados are not common in California, however, they do occur.
The state has averaged eight to nine a year since 2001, according to NWS.
“In our county, it's a lot less common than in other parts of California, and we're kind of at the southern end of where some of that typically does come through when it does,” said Tiffany Heyer, director of Emergency Operations in San Joaquin County.
The first important thing to know is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.
According to NWS, a tornado watch is issued when weather experts suspect a possible tornado may be approaching, while a tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been spotted and danger to life or property is imminent.
During a tornado watch, the best course of action is to prepare.
This means checking emergency supplies, having a safe place ready, and keeping watch for updates on potential tornado warnings in the area.
When a tornado warning is issued, you will want to get to a safe location as soon as possible.
Specifically, an interior room on the bottom floor of a building, preferably a spot away from windows.
“If you have time, take your animals with you, and if you're out on the road, find someplace that you can pull over, get yourself down into a ditch if you have time to,” Heyer said. “Stop, get out of your car, try to find someplace safe, and take cover until it passes.”
For people who live in mobile homes, a vehicle, or if you are experiencing homelessness, the best course of action is to move to the closest indoor location or shelter where you can protect yourself from flying debris.
“Because tornadoes aren't a big weather issue for us, we don't have designated tornado areas or tornado shelters,” Heyer said. “But they are open and if there was another tornado to happen, people are more than welcome to find one of our community centers that's near them and access that for shelter.”
The next time an uncommon or unforeseen weather event takes place in the area, being prepared and accessing online weather resources will be the best course of action in ensuring your safety.
“You can sign up for the National Weather Service alerts to get any kind of weather alerts specifically in your area or you can also sign up for the SJ ready alerts that are specific to San Joaquin County and we'll send out alerts as emergencies happen,” Heyer said.
More information on tornado warnings and other weather emergency preparedness can be found on the National Weather Service site.