A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air that is
touching the ground. Tornadoes vary in intensity from 40 miles an hour for the weakest up
to 300 miles an hour or greater for the most violent. Tornadoes are most common in eastern New Mexico in the spring, but
did you know that the most recent New Mexico tornado deaths occurred in the western areas
of the state and near mountain communities? Here's some facts on tornadoes
in New Mexico.
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The Storm
Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma issues a TORNADO WATCH to give you advance notice
that tornadoes are possible in your area. This gives you time to make preliminary plans
for moving to a safe location if a tornado warning is issued.
A TORNADO
WARNING is an urgent announcement that a tornado has
been reported or is imminent and warns you to take cover immediately. The
following are instructions on what to do when a tornado warning has been issued
for your area or whenever a tornado threatens:
IN HOMES OR SMALL BUILDINGS:
- Act quickly; seconds save lives
- Go to the basement (if available) or to an interior room on
the lowest floor, such as a closet or bathroom
- If possible, get under a sturdy table or workbench
- Wrap yourself in overcoats or blankets to protect yourself
from flying debris
- Be sure to stay clear of any threat of flying glass
IN MOBILE HOMES, AUTOMOBILES, OR RVs:
- ABANDON THEM IMMEDIATELY!! Most deaths occur in cars and mobile
homes. If you are in either of those locations, leave them and go to a
substantial structure or designated tornado shelter
- Mobile homes provide no shelter in a
tornado regardless of how well tied down, and should be abandoned for a storm
shelter
- if you live in a mobile home, be sure you have a plan of
safe action should the weather become threatening
- If no shelter is available, lie flat in a ditch or
depression in the ground and use your hands to cover your head
IN SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, FACTORIES, OR SHOPPING CENTERS:
- Go to interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor. Stay
away from glass enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs
such as auditoriums and warehouses. See the left figure for an
example of where to go in a school. Crouch down and cover your
head as shown in the right figure.
IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS:
- Go to interior small rooms or halls. Stay away from exterior
walls or glassy areas.
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