Tornadoes deserve our respect

First the good news: We are having more precipitation in the area this spring, with the possible exception of McCook with its mythical "bubble" that seems to keep rains from reaching McCook. The city is 1.12 inches below normal for the year, but that could be overcome with one good rain of the type that we have seen fall on our neighbors.

Now for the bad news:

When that warm, moist air is hit by hot, dry air to the west, thunderstorms and tornadoes may result, as we've seen over the last few days.

On an average year, according to the National Weather Service, 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide, most of them east of the Rocky Mountains, resulting in 80 deaths and more than 1,500 injuries.

The worst of them are capable of wind speeds of 250 mph or more -- one even picked up a motel sign in Broken Bow, Okla., and deposited it 30 miles away in Arkansas.

Fortunately, such tornadoes are rare, comprising only 2 percent of the storms but 70 percent of the deaths. These monsters can last for an hour and carry winds greater than 205 mph.

Now that Mother Nature has our attention, what can we do to stay safe during tornado season?

First, pay attention to weather warnings on the radio, TV and online. Remember, a tornado watch means tornadoes are possible in your area. A tornado warning means one has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.

* Next, develop a plan for you and your family at home, work, school or outdoors.

* Have frequent drills.

* Know your area, keep a map handy and follow storm movement from weather bulletins.

* Buy a NOAA Weather Radio with a warning alarm tone and battery back-up to receive warnings.

* Listen to forecasts when planning outdoor activities.

When a storm approaches:

* Move to a pre-designated shelter such as a basement.

* If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.

* Stay away from windows.

* Get out of automobiles.

* Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately.

* Abandon mobile homes, even if tied down.

Finally, keep an eye on the sky, watching for warning signs such as dark, often greenish sky, a wall cloud, large hail or a loud roar, similar to a freight train.

More information on tornadoes and other severe weather is available online at http://mccookgazette.com. Click on the weather forecast on the upper left, and follow the "Hazardous Weather" link on the lower right corner of the following page. Ultimately, it's up to each of us to keep ourselves and our families safe when severe weather approaches.