The wild weather pattern gripping the United States isn't letting up anytime soon. After a week of severe thunderstorm warnings and winter storm alerts, the National Weather Service has now flagged a new threat: a tornado risk for five states on Friday, May 22.
According to the latest outlook from Severe Weather Outlook, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana each face at least a 2% chance of tornadoes tomorrow. While that might sound low, it's enough to put everyone in those areas on high alert. This follows recent tornado watches and severe storms that have already rattled several regions this week.
Which States Are at Risk?
The five states under the gun are:
- Mississippi
- Alabama
- Tennessee
- Kentucky
- Indiana
These areas could see rotating thunderstorms that spawn tornadoes, especially during the afternoon and evening hours. The National Weather Service urges residents to stay tuned to local forecasts and have a plan ready.
How to Stay Safe When a Tornado Strikes
Knowing what to do before, during, and after a tornado can make all the difference. Here's a quick rundown of the best practices:
At Home
If a tornado warning is issued for your area, head to your basement, a safe room, or an interior room without windows. Bring your pets along if you can. Avoid rooms with glass or large open spaces.
At Work or School
Follow your designated tornado drill and move to your shelter location quickly and calmly. Stay away from windows and steer clear of large open areas like cafeterias, gyms, or auditoriums.
If You're Outside
Seek shelter inside a sturdy building immediately. Sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents offer little to no protection. If you have time, get to a safe building.
In a Vehicle
Being in a car during a tornado is extremely dangerous. The safest move is to drive to the nearest shelter. If that's not possible, either stay in your car and cover your head, or abandon the vehicle and lie flat in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine.
This tornado threat comes on the heels of other severe weather events this week, including thunderstorms that threatened nine states and 15 states on alert for severe thunderstorms. The active pattern shows no signs of slowing down.
Stay weather-ready by keeping a NOAA Weather Radio handy and checking local news for updates. With Memorial Day weekend approaching, it's also wise to review beach safety warnings if you're traveling to coastal areas.
Remember: when it comes to tornadoes, preparation is your best defense. Stay alert, stay informed, and stay safe.
