The sky grew dark and the wind began to pick up significantly, and suddenly, the National Weather Service said, ‘Listen up, there’s a tornado watch for that part of Louisiana!’ People began to become anxious and curious. They were asking, ‘Who on earth issued that tornado watch anyway for SWLA, and what impact is it going to have on us?’
How Do We Prepare for a Tornado Watch?
What Should We Do If a Tornado Hits?
What is the History of Tornado Activity in SWLA?
What is a Tornado Watch?
Therefore, a tornado watch is declared by the National Weather Service when they believe a tornado could appear in a specific region. Now, there’s no need to worry—the alert isn’t a death sentence, but it’s a warning to stay alert and be prepared in case a tornado comes by. And the National Weather Service informs us they typically issue tornado watches where there have been more tornadoes than usual recently, and the weather is quite windy and stormy.
How Do We Prepare for a Tornado Watch?
As a tornado watch is declared for SWLA, precautions should be taken. First, keep an eye on the weather forecast and stay tuned to local news stations for updates.
Prepare an emergency kit for yourself—water, some snacks that don’t go bad, some bandages, and a little radio that runs on batteries. Work out a plan for you and your family with a safe spot already picked out. It’s also a good idea to review the tornado safety guidelines provided by the National Weather Service.
What Should We Do If a Tornado Hits?
If a tornado is coming, the quickest action you can take is locate a place to take shelter. Stay inside if you got a house or a building, go to the ground floor, and make sure you keep away from windows.
Even better, if available, enter a windowless room, such as a basement or the tiniest room on the main floor. If you’re in a manufactured home, it’s time to set off on a journey or locate a very sturdy building or or at minimum a vehicle—your preference—to take refuge in. And Without fail, always, always ensure you protect your head. Secure something strong such as a pillow or a book to ensure its safety.
What is the History of Tornado Activity in SWLA?
SWLA has somewhat of a reputation for experiencing tornadoes. Numerous occurrences have happened over the years. The most memorable one I can remember was the one from 2016 which affected Cameron, Louisiana, and completely destroyed the area. This serves as a good reminder of the importance of being prepared and knowing the appropriate actions during a tornado watch.
Personal Experience
I’ll always remember when the tornado warning was issued. We were relaxed at home when we heard it on the radio.
We rapidly gathered the emergency kit and went towards the basement. Well, although the tornado didn’t reach our location, it imparted an undeniable lesson about being prepared. From that point on, We’ve been vigilant to ensure that everyone is safe to be prepared for another tornado happens.