Weather week (3/9/04)

Spring in Indiana means several things. It means an end to winter, the beginning of high school basketball playoffs, and planting season. Spring in Indiana also means tornado season.

While tornados can occur at any time, the greatest risk is from the first of March until the end of June. Indiana ranks number one in tornado costs; number two in tornado deaths; and number five in number of tornadoes.

Winds in a tornado funnel can top 300 miles per hour, making them the most violent and, over a small area, the most destructive phenomena in nature. When one touches down, you don’t have time to think about what to do, you have to know.

Knowing where to go and what to do is a lifesaver. Be prepared, be safe.

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes and a tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted and you should take shelter underground or in an interior room immediately.

To remind Jay County residents of the dos and don’ts of tornado safety, the week of March 14-20 has been proclaimed Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Two tornado drills to test warning and communications systems will be held on Wednesday, March 17.

An afternoon and evening test will be conducted to allow all agencies/citizens the opportunity to test their preparedness plans. I encourage everyone to take this week to review and practice their plans at work and home.

To learn more about tornado preparedness, contact the Jay County Emergency Management agency at the courthouse.

Ralph Frazee, director,

Jay County

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