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Tornado Ready

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Tornadoes can appear with little to no warning, and can cause catastrophic damage in a matter of minutes.

  • Tornadoes are often the byproduct of large thunderstorms and even hurricanes.
  • They frequently occur during the months of April, May, and June, but have been known to appear in later months as well.

Ehanced Fujita Scale

EF Wind Speed (mph) Damage
0 75 - 85 Light damage
1 86 - 110 Moderate damage
2 111 - 135 Considerable damage
3 135 - 165 Severe damage
4 166-200 Devastating damage
5 > 200 Incredibile damage

  • EF-0 (65-85 mph) Light damage.
    Peels surface off some roofs; some damage to gutters or siding; branches broken off trees; shallow-rooted trees pushed over.
  • EF-1 (86-110 mph) Moderate damage.
    Roofs severely stripped; mobile homes overturned or badly damaged; loss of exterior doors; windows and other glass broken.
  • EF-2 (111-135 mph) Considerable damage.
    Roofs torn off well-constructed houses; foundations of frame homes shifted; mobile homes completely destroyed; large trees snapped or uprooted; light-object missiles generated; cars lifted off ground.
  • EF-3 (136-165 mph) Severe damage.
    Entire stories of well-constructed houses destroyed; severe damage to large buildings; trees debarked; heavy cars lifted off the ground and/or thrown.
  • EF-4 (166-200 mph) Devastating damage.
    Whole frame houses completely leveled; cars thrown and small missiles generated.
  • EF-5 (>200 mph) Incredible damage.
    Strong frame houses leveled off foundations; automobile-sized missiles fly through the air.

Actions to Consider

  • Determine in advance where you will take refuge in the event of a tornado.
  • Since underground shelters are uncommon on the Island, take shelter in an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor of a building.
    • Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
    • Avoid auditoriums, cafeterias, and gymnasiums that have wide span roofs.
    • DO NOT stay inside a trailer, or mobile home! If possible, move to a building with a strong foundation.
    • DO NOT get under an overpass or bridge, as winds can blow debris up into the gap or even collapse the bridge itself.

If you are outside and there is not a safe shelter nearby:

  • Go to your vehicle, buckle your seat belt and drive to the closest sturdy shelter.
  • If conditions worsen and your vehicle is being hit by debris, pull over and park. Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows; cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.
  • If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, leave your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands.
  • Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
  • Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

After a Tornado