North Texas under a tornado watch until Friday evening, according to the NWS
On Friday at 10:12 a.m. a tornado watch was issued by the NWS Fort Worth TX in effect until 6 p.m. The watch is for Anderson, Bell, Bosque, Collin, Coryell, Dallas, Delta, Ellis, Falls, Fannin, Freestone, Hamilton, Henderson, Hill, Hopkins, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Lamar, Lampasas, Leon, Limestone, McLennan, Milam, Mills, Navarro, Rains, Robertson, Rockwall, Somervell, Tarrant and Van Zandt counties.
This watch is in effect until 6 p.m.
Tips for finding shelter during a tornado
According to the NWS, rapid action is key to staying safe during a tornado. Remain updated about tornado watches and warnings by following local news or a NOAA Weather Radio.
• If you are indoors: In the event of a tornado warning, seek shelter in your basement, safe room, or an interior room without windows. If possible, bring your pets along with you.
• If you are at your workplace or school: Follow your tornado drill protocol and make your way to the designated tornado shelter area. Maintain a safe distance from windows and avoid seeking refuge in large open rooms like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
• If you are outside: In case of an approaching tornado, quickly seek shelter inside a safe building. Keep in mind that sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe options.
• If you are in a vehicle: Being in a vehicle during a tornado is not safe. The best course of action is to drive towards the nearest shelter. If finding a safe shelter is not possible, either crouch down inside your car and protect your head, or abandon your vehicle and seek shelter in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine.
Do you have an emergency kit ready in case of a tornado?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends keeping the following items in a basic disaster supplies kit:
• Water, one gallon per person for at least three days
• Food, at least a three-day supply
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Flashlight
• First-aid kit
• Whistle
• Dust mask to filter contaminated air
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape, for shelter purposes
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
Source: The National Weather Service
