The National Weather Service just issued a Tornado Watch for my area. I know what to do in tornadoes, all the safety advice i Could know, I know . But even knowing all this, I just moved to VA, a year ago, and have never been in a tornado. And I am 12, and I am really scared of them. Anyone have any advice to overcome my fears?? And anyone that has ever been in a tornado, like the tornado actually hit where they were, have any stories on what it was like??? I would really appreciate it so if a warning goes out I can be less afraid of what might happen. Thank you so much!
2007-07-04 08:12:47 · 7 answers · asked by Jessica 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
god this is a crappy day to spend the 4th of july. lol
2007-07-04 08:42:21 · update #1
I was in a F5 tornado years ago. We had a basement but did not have time to get to it. This was in 1973 and weather prediction was a joke back then. When the TV said that there was a tornado watch in our area, we looked out the window and it was tearing up the trailer park across the street. We just got on the floor in the middle of the house and we made it all right. My own daughter is 10 now and she is also very scared of tornadoes and bad weather I just remind her that she is a child of God and she should have faith in the fact that He will protect her we say a prayer and that helps her with her fears. I will pray for you, God bless you
2007-07-04 08:32:21 · answer #1 · answered by Big Daddy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A tornado watch is just that a watch....most the of time, the weather will issue a "tornado watch, only if severe weather is possible". With any storm, high winds, hail and heavy rain and flooding are a possiblility. Just keep informed and stay indoors if possible. If a "tornado warning" is issued, go to a basement or a safe place in your house..I've lived with tornados all my life, but never actually been in one. Iam sure those that have been in one, really do not need to give a 12 yr old all the scarey details. Just keeping informed has always helped me overcome any fears and you will be surprised how many people do not know much about storms.
Try looking at the site below and stay safe!!
2007-07-04 08:27:53 · answer #2 · answered by TM 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've been vacationing down in South Florida numerous times and we've had a few tornado watches and warnings but a tornado didn't hit at all during those times. Tornadoes are more likely in Florida then Virginia and I live in Long island,NY and the chances of Long Island getting hit by a tornado is probably the same as Virginia getting hit by one and on average we get one per year and if we get a tornado the winds are usually below 75 m.p.h. and in August 2005 we had a tornado on the north shore of long Island and the winds were between 75 and 112 m.p.h. so if one does hit where it's very unlikely probably less than a 10% chance it will touch down for only a few minutes, move a 1/4 mile to 1 mile do light damage and only effect a small area.
2007-07-04 12:27:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't worry too much about it. A tornado "watch" just means that the weather conditions are right for a tornado to possibly form. I live in south east Ohio and we are also under a tornado watch. I've also lived in WV and KY and have seen countless tornado "watches" but have never seen a tornado. They rarely touch down in mountainous regions like Appalachia, because of the hills and valleys.
2007-07-04 08:31:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
nothing to be scared of...the chances of a tornado actually hitting your house even during a tornado warning is very unlikely. Tornados are small compact storms and tornado warnings cover large areas. You have a much more chance of being killed by lightning or even a flood during a storm than a tornado.
2007-07-04 08:19:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have a basement, go there. If you don't find a closet in the center of the house, preferably in the bathroom or near it, and crouch there. Have your parents open windows on the far side of the house from the storm, to relieve the pressure. The tail of a tornado skips and jumps so it's possible it can tear up everything all the way to your yard and jump over your house and begin tearing up the neighbor's (I've seen that) or come down touch, and rise again. There's really nothing to worry about--they're not that bad if you're prudent and stay away from windows.
I've witnessed first-hand three of them--once outside--so you don't need to be so scared. I wasn't.
Good luck.
2007-07-04 08:27:02 · answer #6 · answered by Jess 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A watch means conditions are favorable for one. A warning means to take cover in a lower level like a basement. Fortunately ,the ones in central Ohio have missed us. One hit a few years ago down the road. It was only a F1 but flipped a trampoline,tore a barn roof off. Stay close to your weather info. station for updates. Be careful. Stay indoors. If you have thunderstorms , we always turn-off our computer and don't use the house phone. Take care.
2007-07-04 08:23:23 · answer #7 · answered by willy444 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋