Severe Storm Tips

"March through September is a time to be on the watch for stormy weather that can bring tornadoes," stated Sheriff Tregre. "Severe thunderstorms, hail, roaring noise, winds and funnel shaped clouds," described Sheriff Tregre"should find you prepared to ride out a severe storm."

Tornadoes can arise on hot, sticky days with southerly winds and a threatening sky with dark thunderstorm clouds.

The wind speed in a tornado has been estimated to be 200 miles per hour and it does its damage in four or five minutes. The average width is about one fourth mile, but they have been known to cut a path over a mile wide.

If the National Weather Service issues a tornado "watch" then conditions are right, and tornadoes are expected to develop. Keep tuned to your television or radio stations for further information when a bad storm threatens.

A tornado "warning" means that a tornado has actually been sighted or detected by radar.

Tornado destruction is caused by violent winds that uproot trees, destroy buildings, or any object in its path. This also creates a serious hazard from material blown through the air. Differences in air pressure are always present in a tornado, and this can cause buildings to collapse.

When a tornado is spotted, take care:
If you are in an office building, go to the inside hallway or 
          lower floor.

 If you are in open country, move away from the approaching 
        tornado’s path at a right angle. If there is no time to escape, 
        lie flat in the nearest ditch or other depression.

 If you are in a mobile home, get out at once. Take cover in a strong building, 
       ditch, or ravine.  Do not stay in a mobile home if a tornado threatens.

 If you are in school, go quickly to an inside hallway on the lowest floor. 
        Do not seek shelter in a gymnasium, auditorium, or other areas with wide, 
        free span roofs.

 If you are in a house, get under heavy furniture in the center part of the house. 
        Keep some windows open (to equalize pressure of the outside air), but stay 
        away from them.

"For all the bad weather that could affect us this spring and summer," concluded Sheriff Tregre, "ensure that you are well prepared to meet any emergencies which could arise. And remember to call the Sheriff’s Office at 9-1-1 for emergencies or 985-652-9513 if you need anything."

Related Links for more information	National Weather Service for St. John Parish
WWL – TV Channel 4 PinPoint Doppler Radar	Federal Emergency Management Agency
National Weather Service	The Weather Channel