The start of the Fourth of July weekend might get off to a rough start, as the the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Watch for the area until 10 p.m.
According to the NWS, there is a chance for severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. The main threat is damaging winds. There is a small chance for large hail and isolated tornadoes, mainly from the New York City Metro Area on West and North.
According to the National Weather Service, if you see a tornado, get as low as possible — being completely underground is best. Put as many barriers between you and the outside and possible. Also, stay away from doors, windows and outside walls.
Some ideas on where to seek shelter during a tornado from National Weather Service’s website:
Bathroom:
Bathrooms MAY be a good shelter, provided they are not along an outside wall and have no windows. Contrary to popular belief, there is nothing magically safe about getting in a bathtub with a mattress. In some cases, this might be a great shelter. However, it depends on where your bathroom is. If your bathroom has windows and is along an outside wall, it’s probably not the best shelter.
Bathrooms have proven to be adequate tornado shelters in many cases for a couple of reasons. First, bathrooms are typically small rooms with no windows in the middle of a building. Secondly, it is thought that the plumbing within the walls of a bathroom helps to add some structural strength to the room.
However, with tornadoes there are no absolutes, and you should look closely at your home when determining your shelter area.
Closets:
A small interior closet might be a shelter. Again, the closet should be as deep inside the building as possible, with no outside walls, doors or windows. Be sure to close the door and cover up.
Hallways:
If a hallway is your shelter area, be sure to shut all doors. Again, the goal is to create as many barriers as possible between you and the flying debris in and near a tornado. To be an effective shelter, a hallway should as be far inside the building as possible and should not have any openings to the outside (windows and doors).
Under Stairs:
The space underneath a stairwell could be used as a shelter.
Generally speaking, you should not leave your home in your vehicle when a tornado threatens. In most cases, you will have a better chance of surviving by staying put in your home. Every home is different – there is no absolute safe place in every home. Use the guidelines. Unless you are deep underground, there is no such thing as a 100% tornado-proof shelter. Freak accidents can happen.
