Augusta, GA

... Severe weather awareness week day three...
... Tornadoes and a brief history...

Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms. They result in an
average of 80 deaths and 1500 injuries each year. Most tornado
fatalities occur when people do not leave Mobile homes and
automobiles.

March through may are the peak months for tornado activity in
Georgia, although tornadoes can occur at any time of the year. In
many southeastern states, a secondary tornado maximum occurs in the
late fall. Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 2 and 10 PM,
but have been known to occur at All Hours of the day or night. The
average tornado moves from southwest to northeast but tornadoes have
been known to move in any direction. The average forward speed is 30
mph but may vary from around 10 mph to 70 mph.

The National Weather Service issues tornado watches when conditions
become favorable for the formation of tornadoes. You should remain
alert for approaching storms. A Tornado Warning is issued when a
tornado has been sighted, or detected by Doppler radar or storm
spotters. Action should be taken immediately to protect lives and
property.

If a tornado producing thunderstorm is approaching your location,
you should get into a basement or crawl space. If you don't have a
basement or crawl space, then get into an interior hallway or room
on the lowest floor of the structure you are in. Get out of
automobiles and stay away from windows. Opening windows is not
recommended during a tornado. Get out of Mobile homes. These safety
rules can save your life during a tornado.

Tomorrow, downbursts, hail, and flash flooding.