Tornadoes at night present unique challenges, as darkness obscures visual cues like funnel clouds or debris. The reduced visibility makes it difficult to spot them, elevating the importance of understanding non-visual and sensory indicators for safety.
Relying on Official Warning Systems
Receiving timely alerts from official sources is crucial when visual confirmation of a tornado is impossible. NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) broadcasts weather information directly from the National Weather Service, including warnings and other hazard details. These specialized radios can be programmed to alert for specific areas. Local outdoor warning sirens also serve as a broad alert system, signaling a potential threat to an entire community. Mobile phone alerts, such as Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), deliver location-specific emergency messages to cell phones in affected areas, including tornado warnings.
It is important to distinguish between a “tornado watch” and a “tornado warning.” A tornado watch indicates conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form, often covering multiple counties. During a watch, prepare by monitoring weather updates and identifying a safe shelter location. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar, signifying immediate danger. When a warning is issued, immediate action to seek shelter is necessary.
Recognizing Auditory Cues
Even without visual confirmation, distinct sounds can indicate a tornado’s presence, especially in darkness. The most common sound is a continuous rumbling, often likened to a freight train. This deep, persistent roar can be heard even over background noise if the tornado is nearby. Other auditory indicators include a loud whooshing sound, similar to a waterfall or open car windows at high speed.
Other sounds include a continuous whistling or humming, which may be associated with smaller funnels or turbulent eddies within the tornado. Shattering glass and flying debris can also create loud, chaotic noises that signal the tornado’s destructive power. While sound can be an indicator, tornadoes are not always audible from a distance, and other strong winds or hail can produce similar roaring sounds. Relying solely on sound may not provide enough warning.
Detecting Atmospheric and Sensory Changes
Beyond official alerts and distinct sounds, certain atmospheric and sensory shifts can precede a tornado. A sudden calm or stillness in the air often occurs just before a tornado strikes, as the storm’s updraft pulls in surrounding air. A rapid drop in temperature can also be noticeable, as the storm draws in cooler air from higher altitudes or areas cooled by precipitation. A noticeable shift in wind direction or intensity can signal the changing dynamics of the storm.
Changes in atmospheric pressure, like ear popping or sinus pressure, can be felt due to the significant pressure drop within a tornado’s vortex. This pressure change is a fundamental characteristic of intense low-pressure systems. Frequent and intense lightning flashes, even if the storm is not visible, indicate severe thunderstorm activity that could produce a tornado. These flashes illuminate the storm’s chaotic nature, providing a visual cue of its severity in darkness.
Immediate Safety Measures
Once a tornado is suspected or confirmed, immediate safety measures are crucial. The safest places to take shelter are a basement, storm cellar, or a designated safe room. If an underground shelter is unavailable, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway, and stay away from windows.
Covering one’s head and neck with arms, blankets, or a mattress offers protection from flying debris, which causes most tornado-related injuries and fatalities. Having an emergency plan, including designated safe spots for all family members, allows for quicker and more organized reactions. Regular drills ensure everyone knows what to do when a warning is issued. Attempting to outrun a tornado in a vehicle is not advisable, as cars are easily tossed by strong winds. If caught in a vehicle and unable to reach sturdy shelter, get to a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine, lie down, and cover your head.