The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning this morning abbot 4:00 AM. A tornado (probably Doppler radar indicated) was reported near Warm Mineral Springs, during a period of heavy rain and wind. The National Weather Service issued a second Warning for North Port, indicating the tornado was over North Port moving toward the northeast and I-75 a few minutes later.
A second report from the NWS was for a report of damage to a home and ranger station just eat of Englewood, or directly south of La Casa.
Thunderstorms, and occasionally tornadoes, are a common part of living here in Florida. Severe storms at night are more dangerous, because residents are normally asleep, and darkness hides a severe storm or tornado. Adding to the risk was the heavy rain and wind occurring during this morning’s tornado report, an effect called embedding. Embedded tornadoes occur inside severe thunderstorms, making them impossible to see even during the day.
What should you do if a tornado warning occurs? Living in manufactured homes, about the best thing to do is move to an interior closet or small bathroom, preferably with no windows. Even if your home is not hit directly by the tornado, a great risk occurs from flying debris that can pierce your home’s exterior walls. Keeping additional walls between you and the outdoors improves your chances of not being injured by flying objects or broken window glass.
You should also consider buying a weather alert radio, or downloading a tornado app for your smartphone. Many companies sell weather radios that can be placed in standby mode — when a tornado or severe storm approaches, the National Weather Service issues a tone and alert. The special tone will activate your radio and allow you to hear the alert.
Another option is using your smartphone as a tornado warning device. This is what alerted your Editor this morning. An excellent app is the American Red Cross Tornado app. You can review the app, and download it if you wish, at The American Red Cross Tornado App.
Regardless of the method you use, make sure you leave your radio on standby, or keep the ringer volume up on your phone. The alerts will only help you if you can hear them.
Stay safe!