After the crazy highs and lows we have had in our weather this winter, I’m sure we are all anticipating spring and more steady temperatures. Still, changeable weather is one of the harbingers of the season, and often it comes in the form of high winds and blustery conditions. Even though tornadoes can occur in any season, they are most common in spring, along with downbursts and windstorms.
According to UKAg Meteorologist Tom Priddy, tornadoes form thousands of feet above the earth’s surface usually during warm, humid, unsettled weather and typically in conjunction with a severe thunderstorm. Along with rain, dust and debris are sucked into the center of the air column and form the distinct funnel shape that identifies a tornado. Wind speeds, ranging from 40 to more than 300 mph, can be extremely destructive. A tornado can level a building or a farm, lift a railroad car off its tracks and strip asphalt from pavement.
Derecho windstorms and downbursts also come from thunderstorms. Derechos are rapidly moving, large-scale and long-lived wind events associated with bands of thunderstorms or showers. Winds ranging from 57 to more than 100 miles per hour can topple 18-wheelers and blow down trees. Downbursts are much smaller and are formed by high winds that funnel down to the surface from the upper levels of thunderstorms. Both can cause serious damage and can be life threatening, so even when just a thunderstorm watch or warning has been issued you should always be prepared.
Make a tornado emergency plan for home, work and the farm. Keep a weather radio in good working condition with extra batteries and make sure you, your family and your farm employees know what precautions to take in your home, on the farm, in a vehicle, open country or other situations that may arise.
In your home, shop or any sturdy building, take shelter in the lowest level away from any windows, preferably under a sturdy object to protect yourself from falling debris.
In your car, you should attempt to drive to shelter. If this is not possible, exit the vehicle and take cover by laying down in a ditch or low-lying area with your hands over your head. If a low-lying area is not nearby or you cannot exit your vehicle, strap on your seat belt, cover your head and keep your body below window level.
In a mobile home, even if it is tied down, always evacuate and take cover in a low-lying area and cover your head.
UK Extension Beef Specialist Dr. Roy Burris suggests that special considerations for livestock producers include moving livestock to high ground in case of heavy rain and potential flash flooding. If moving livestock is not possible, open gates so they can escape high water. You should take precautions against lightning strikes by preventing animals from herding under isolated trees and moving them away from other large conductors that may attract lightning.
There will be a Disaster Preparedness Program at the Extension Office on Thursday, March 25th at 5:30pm. For more information on this program or about severe weather preparedness, contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Service at (270)273-3690. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
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