What to do during a tornado in WA, how to prepare
Tornadoes possible in Washington on Wednesday
The Washington state emergency center is keeping a close eye on the weather, as there is a possibility of tornadoes during Wednesday's severe storms. Emergency management officials advise the public to stay prepared.
SEATTLE - Wednesday's severe storms in western Washington have a small possibility of forming a tornado, so what should you do in the event of one?
Keep reading for tips on what to do if a tornado touches down near you.
What you can do:
Be alert
First off, stay alert. If you are in the area of a tornado formation, pay attention to any mobile alerts or warnings, including outdoor sirens.
Seek shelter
Second, find cover. If you are in the direct path of a tornado, seek shelter immediately. That means go down to a basement or stay inside a room on the lowest floor, preferably flat and without windows.
Then, get under cover to protect yourself, like a table or workbench, and stay away from heavy objects.
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The best way to stay safe is to plan ahead and follow these rules.
What not to do
If you are not in the direct path of a tornado, but there is one nearby, do not try to outrun it in your car. You should stay sheltered in the innermost and lowest room of a building. Also, avoid closing doors and windows, as an exploding window can injure or kill.
In Washington, there is a 2% to 4% chance of a tornado forming Wednesday night. Washington state typically gets around 2.5 tornadoes a year.
In addition to the threat of high winds, there are also risks of large hail, heavy rain and severe thunderstorms.
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The Source: Information in this story is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.
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