WOAY-TV (Oak Hill, WV): With severe weather season starting up for the year, it is important to know when a tornado can form and what to do when one is formed. Though they are rare, last year did present some tornadic activity including the April 2nd Hico Tornado. Meteorologist Christian Boteler has the details:
TORNADO FORMATION: Tornadoes are violently rotating vortexes that touch the ground, causing damage to both natural and manmade infrastructure. They are most common in the famed “Tornado Alley” in the central plains, though have gotten increasingly common in the southeast. West Virginia does not get them as bad, but we have seen them more as time has passed.
The formation of a tornado starts with strong upper level winds, causing a rotating column of air to form. This column is influenced by the updraft of a thunderstorm, creating a wall cloud. Then, the rotating air builds downwards until touching down on the ground, officially becoming a tornado.
WARNINGS AND SAFETY: A tornado warning is issued when a tornado is either observed in person or radar indicated. Once a warning issued, you should immediately take cover! A basement, bathroom, or another interior room with no windows. A closet will be your best be if every room has a window or an outside wall. If in an apartment, try to take cover at the bottom floors of the building in an interior room if possible.
If you are outside or driving, try to get to the nearest shelter immediately. Do NOT try to outrun a tornado or hide under an overpass. If you cannot reach a shelter, get out of the car, find the lowest ground you can such as a ditch, and lay down flat.
