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Tornado, High Winds & Hail Preparedness
Be Prepared When the Skies Turn Severe
Severe storms in Pitt County can bring more than rain. Tornadoes, hail, and straight-line winds may develop quickly with little warning.
Knowing what to watch for—and how to respond—can reduce risk and protect your family.
Danger Signs of a Tornado
If a tornado watch or warning is in effect, stay alert for these clues:
- Hail: During a watch or warning, hail can signal tornado development.
- Cloud of debris: May reveal a tornado even without a visible funnel.
- Sudden calm: Winds may die down just before impact.
- Clear skies behind the storm: Tornadoes often form at the storm’s trailing edge.
- Loud roar: A continuous sound like a freight train.
- Rotating clouds: Dark, greenish, or spinning clouds may indicate danger.
Know the Difference: Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning
Watches and warnings serve different purposes. Knowing the difference can save lives. Both are issued by the National Weather Service and shared through NOAA Weather Radio, local media, and wireless emergency alerts.
Tornado Watch
Conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. No tornado has been spotted yet, but dangerous weather could develop quickly. Watches often cover a large area for several hours.
During a watch:
- Stay alert and monitor trusted weather updates.
- Review your emergency plan and identify your safe shelter.
- Check your emergency kit and charge cell phones.
- Secure outdoor items and bring pets inside.
Tornado Warning
A tornado has been sighted or detected by radar. Take shelter immediately. Warnings are usually short-term and cover a smaller area, often with details about the tornado’s path.
During a warning:
- Move to a small, windowless interior room or basement.
- Protect your head with a mattress, blanket, or helmet.
- Avoid windows and stay sheltered until the warning expires.
What to Do During a Tornado Warning
If a tornado warning is issued—or if you see one approaching—take shelter immediately. Most injuries are from flying debris, so protecting your head and staying in a secure location is critical.
Tornado Safety by Location
At Home or in a Small Business:
- Go to the basement or an interior, windowless room on the lowest floor.
- Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.
- Get under sturdy furniture or cover yourself with a mattress.
- Protect and cover your head and neck with pillows, blankets, or a helmet..
In Large Buildings (schools, hospitals, shopping centers):
- Use a designated tornado shelter if available.
- If not, move to an interior hallway on the lowest level.
- Avoid windows and large-span roofs (gyms, cafeterias, auditoriums).
In a Mobile Home or Elevated House:
- Leave immediately for a sturdy building or storm shelter.
- If none is available, stay in a small interior room and protect your head.
In a Vehicle:
- Seek shelter in a sturdy building—do not stay in your car.
- Never shelter under bridges or overpasses.
- Do not try to outrun a tornado if it is near or traffic is heavy.
- If no shelter, park safely, keep your seatbelt on, crouch below windows, and cover your head.
Outdoors Without Shelter:
- Lie flat in a low spot and cover your head with your arms.
- Stay away from trees, vehicles, and power lines.
Dangers of High Winds, Hail, and Straight-Line Winds
Tornadoes often get the most attention, but hail and straight-line winds can be just as dangerous. These hazards can cause injuries, damage property, and create life-threatening conditions on roads and in open areas.
Hail Safety Tips
Hail can fall at over 100 mph and range from small pellets to softball size—shattering glass, denting vehicles, and causing serious injury.
- Seek sturdy shelter immediately. Avoid sheltering under trees.
- If driving, pull into a covered area if possible. Stay inside away from windows until the storm passes.
- If caught outside, use your arms, bag, or jacket to protect your head and neck.
- Avoid open fields and outdoor spaces during hailstorms.
Straight-Line Wind Safety Tips
Straight-line winds can exceed 100 mph and cause damage similar to tornadoes—knocking down trees, power lines, and buildings.
If Indoors:
- Go to the lowest level, in a small, windowless room or hallway.
- Stay away from exterior walls and windows.
- Secure outdoor items ahead of time to prevent flying debris.
- Monitor alerts for updates and instructions.
If Outdoors:
- Stay clear of trees, power lines, and tall structures.
- Seek a sturdy building. If none is available, lie flat in a low area and cover your head.
- Avoid open vehicles, tents, and mobile homes—they provide little protection.
Reducing Your Risk After a Tornado
Many tornado injuries happen after the storm, during cleanup or while entering damaged areas. Hazards include sharp debris, downed power lines, gas leaks, and unstable structures that can lead to fire, electrocution, or explosions.
Immediately After a Tornado
- Check for injuries. Call for medical help and give first aid if trained.
- Control bleeding with direct pressure; have puncture wounds checked by a doctor.
- If trapped, make noise or use a whistle to signal for help.
General Safety Precautions
- Keep listening to a battery-powered or NOAA Weather Radio for official updates.
- Use caution entering damaged buildings—they may collapse.
- Wear sturdy shoes, gloves, and long sleeves near debris.
- Watch for nails, broken glass, and sharp objects.
- Stay away from downed power lines; report them to law enforcement or your utility company.
- Use flashlights, not candles, for light. If candles are necessary, keep them in safe holders and never leave unattended.
- Operate generators outdoors, at least 20 feet from homes and windows. Carbon monoxide is deadly—get medical help immediately if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseated.
- Only enter disaster areas when cleared or requested by emergency personnel.
Inspecting Damage
- Look for structural, electrical, or gas hazards. Contact the Pitt County Building Inspections Division for guidance.
- Shut off power, natural gas, and propane if your home may be damaged.
- Use flashlights to inspect damage. Avoid torches or open flames.
- If you see frayed wiring, sparks, or smell burning, turn off power at the main breaker.
- If you smell gas, shut off the main valve, open windows, leave immediately, and notify your gas company and emergency services. Do not use anything that could spark. Return only when authorities say it’s safe.