Weather Preparedness

Tornadoes in our area are most common in the spring months, however they can occur anytime of the year.

The last confirmed Tornado touchdown in McCracken County was in January of 1999.

Know the difference between a TORNADO WATCH and TORNADO WARNING.

A TORNADO WATCH -- Means to watch for Tornados, conditions are favorable for development of Tornadoes in, and close to the watch area.

A TORNADO WARNING -- Means a Tornado has been sighted by trained Storm Spotters in the field, or indicated by Doppler weather radar.

TAKE ACTION AND SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY!

IF AT HOME -- SEEK SHELTER in a basement or in an interior room on the lowest floor in your house.

DO NOT take time to open windows. This exposes you to flying glass and debris, and opening windows does not equalize the pressure in your home.

Take a battery powered AM-FM radio with you for additional information. DO NOT video tape the storm!

IF DRIVING -- Do not try to out-race the tornado if you spot it. Abandon your car and seek shelter in a low ditch, or large under the road culvert. Tornadoes move at speeds up to 70 mph.

IF AT WORK -- Seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor. Stay away from doors and windows.



Your best insurance for Tornado and Severe Weather Warnings is a NOAA Weather Alert Radio.

These cost from $30 to $70, with higher end models user programmable for custom specific county warnings. They remain silent until activated by the National Weather Service. An alarm sounds, followed by official emergency information.

The Weather Radio Frequency for Paducah and McCracken County is 162.475 Mhz, and the FIPS SAME code is 021145.

Paducah-McCracken Co. Emergency Management and D.E.S. Storm Spotters have two-way radio contact with the National Weather Service Office in Paducah for the most accurate up to the minute information.