ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Missing roofs and damaged docks were left in the aftermath of at least two overnight tornadoes that swept through parts of Pinellas and Citrus counties.
Many phones received alerts of a tornado warning Wednesday night, but what should you do if you receive an alert and a tornado is headed your way?
According to the National Weather Service, if you receive a tornado warning, that means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar — there is imminent danger to life or property.
The weather authorities recommend:
- Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building
- Avoid windows
- If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest shelter
- Don't forget your pets if time allows
- Do not go to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums
- For added protection, it's recommended to cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag or mattress and to protect your head with anything
The weather service says sheds and storage facilities are not safe and neither are mobile homes or tents. It's recommended to go inside a sturdy building If you're in a car, it's best to get down in your car and cover your head — or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine.
The Weather Channel recommends people prepare ahead for any potential threats. It's good to have a safe place in mind before a tornado even touches the ground. Forecasters also recommended putting on shoes if a warning is active because if damage does happen, you don't want to be walking in potentially dangerous debris.
Tornadoes can happen anytime and anywhere, so it's best to stay prepared and know what to do if you're ever put under a warning.