Tornados are one of nature’s most violent phenomena. Last year was a Record setting year for tornados in North Carolina. Seventy Tornado touchdowns were reported in North Carolina counties from the Mountains to the coast. Last year twenty five tornadoes touched down Across central North Carolina alone. Over the past 10 years...nearly 400 tornadoes have struck North Carolina resulting in 6 deaths, 291 Reported injuries and about 231 million dollars in damage. Fortunately, most of tornadoes that strike the state are relatively weak and short lived. However, even weak tornadoes pack winds of 60 To 110 mph.

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from a Thunderstorm to the ground.  Tornadoes can occur virtually any time Of the year...however, North Carolina's greatest tornado Threat runs from late February through early June.

Most tornado deaths and injuries across the state have occurred Outdoors, in automobiles, and mobile homes.  When a tornado Warning is issued for your area or if you spot a tornado...seek Shelter in a substantial building.  The safest place is in an Interior bathroom or closet.  Put as many walls between you and the Outside as possible.  Stay away from windows as debris kicked around By a tornado can easily shatter a window and enter your house.

If you are caught outdoors...seek shelter in a low spot like a ditch Or culvert.  You want to get as low as possible to protect yourself From all of the flying debris in a tornado.  The debris within the Tornado is what causes nearly all of the injuries and deaths.  If in Your car...abandon your vehicle and seek shelter in a substantial Structure or in a ditch.  Never try to outrun a tornado in a Vehicle.  Tornadoes do not always travel in straight lines and it Can be very difficult to determine what direction the tornado is Moving.

The national weather service will issue tornado watches when Conditions are favorable for thunderstorms to produce tornadoes.  Once a tornado is spotted or detected by radar...the national Weather service will issue a tornado warning.  Any time a tornado warning is issued for your area...take action to protect your life As well as the lives of your family.