10 Tornado Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore - BlogsSoft

                          A tornado warning sounds once every few minutes here in Tornado Alley, and we’ve become pretty good at knowing the signs that one is coming. But most of us don’t know what to do once we hear the sirens going off, or how to keep our family safe during a tornado watch. That’s why it’s essential to learn the tell-tale signs of an impending tornado that could indicate you need to take cover immediately, and then know how you might safeguard your family. Here are 10 tornado warning signs you should never ignore.

1) Loud, Continuous Thunder

                         One of the most reliable tornado warning signs is also one of the most obvious—loud, continuous thunder. If you hear thunder that seems louder and more continuous than usual, it’s a good idea to take cover. And if you can hear it without being outside, that’s an even bigger sign that a tornado may be on its way.

                         The sound of a freight train: If you hear a sound like a freight train while outside, that means a tornado is approaching. Take cover immediately and wait for the storm to pass.

2) Large Hail Stones

                        If you see large hail stones falling from the sky, that means a tornado is close by. Take cover immediately and wait for the storm to pass. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; they can travel up to 70 miles per hour. If you're caught in a tornado, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area and cover your head with your hands.

3) Cylindrical Clouds in a V-Shape

                       Look for this sign in the sky. It's an indication that a tornado is forming. The cloud should be rotating and will be in the shape of a cylinder with a V-shape at the bottom. If you see this, it's time to take cover immediately. Muddy, Watery Eyes: As reported by The Weather Channel, some people experience changes in their vision as they are near a tornado. Along with these changes, people might also experience blurry vision or watery eyes. These are signs that something could be happening nearby or they could even be experiencing some other medical issue, so please seek medical attention if you have these symptoms. Also, know when it's a warning sign of potential disaster coming your way.

4) Wall Cloud

                      Wall clouds are one of the telltale signs that a tornado is about to form. If you see a wall cloud, it's time to take cover immediately. This large, dark cloud will be located near the base of the thunderstorm and will rotate. A well-formed and rotating wall cloud indicates that there is a potential for a tornado on the ground. Tornadoes can happen at any time, but they are more likely to occur in late spring or early summer between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. when temperatures are at their highest point.

5) Funnel Cloud

                      A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or is indicated by weather radar. Take cover immediately! A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes. To stay safe during a tornado, you should take shelter in a basement if possible, away from windows and doors. Keep as many walls between you and the outside as possible to avoid flying debris. If there is no basement available, go to an interior room on the lowest level of your home with the fewest exterior walls such as an interior bathroom or closet.

6) Rotation of Storm

                     Storms that rotate are more likely to produce tornadoes. If you see a rotating storm, keep an eye out for other tornado warning signs. And be sure to monitor the tornado warnings and updates issued by the National Weather Service.

                     A large, dark, low-lying cloud: A large, dark, low-lying cloud is another sign that a tornado may be on its way.

7) Dark, Evergreen-colored Sky

                     Another big sign that a tornado may be coming is a dark or green-colored sky. This is usually caused by large hail stones falling from the sky, which can be a sign that a twister is close by. 

                    The sky may look particularly dark and evergreen right before a tornado. This is because the thunderstorm that's feeding the tornado is drawing in air from all around it. The air rises and becomes very humid, which can cause the sky to take on this strange color. If you see this, it's time to take cover!

8) Winds Aloft (High Up In The Atmosphere) With A Low-Pressure System

                    The first sign of a tornado is generally a low-pressure system. This system rotates around a central point, and as the winds associated with the low-pressure system begin to interact with the ground, they can cause tornadoes. The second sign of a tornado is generally an area of rotation in the clouds. This area of rotation is called a mesocyclone, and it is where the tornado will form. The third sign of a tornado is generally an area of intense thunderstorm activity. This thunderstorm activity will be accompanied by strong winds, heavy rain, and large hail. The fourth sign of a tornado is generally an area of damage caused by high winds. This damage can be in the form of downed trees, broken windows, or damaged roofs.

9) Weather Radar Confirmation

                    The most important factor in any tornado warning is confirmation from a reliable source. In the past, this meant tracking the storm with a tornado tracker. Today, big data and technology allow us to get real-time updates on storms, making it easier than ever to stay safe. The National Weather Service can issue watches or warnings for certain areas depending on their potential for danger. A watch means that a tornado may form and land within 24 hours; a warning means that one has been spotted within ten miles of your location. Remember: If you are in a building, go downstairs into an interior room away from windows; if you are outside, find shelter under something sturdy like an overpass or warehouse; if you're driving through an area with reports of twisters nearby, be aware of sudden drops in air pressure as well as changes in wind direction and speed.

10) Damaging Straight-Line Winds

                    Damaging straight-line winds are the most common type of severe weather in the United States. They can happen with or without a tornado and can cause just as much damage. Here are 10 tornado warning signs you should never ignore: 

                    1. A dark, often greenish sky 

                    2. Large hail 

                    3. A large, dark, low-lying cloud 

                    4. A loud roar, similar to a freight train 

                    5. An approaching cloud of debris 

                    6. A sudden drop in barometric pressure 

                    7. A large, dark wall cloud