From powerful thunderstorms, coastal flooding, and nor’easters to extreme heat waves, hurricanes, and hailstorms, we get our fair share of severe weather here in Massachusetts. But tornadoes? Those have been pretty rare in these parts. Until recently, that is.
In the past five years, 27 tornadoes have touched down in Massachusetts. Thankfully, these storms injured very few people. However, they did cause tens of millions of dollars in property damage. With winds that can reach up to 300 mph and damage paths that can exceed one mile wide and 50 miles long, it’s no wonder the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) calls them “nature’s most violent storms.”
Of course, the frequency and impact of tornadoes in our region hasn’t yet reached the level of activity in Tornado Alley—and hopefully never will. But with the rise in tornado watches, warnings, and touchdowns in our area, the Gilbert Insurance team wants to provide our clients and neighbors with easy access to important facts about these fierce storms along with key tornado safety tips we’ve gathered from local and national weather experts and public safety officials.
What is a tornado?
NOAA describes a tornado as a narrow, violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground. While this probably prompted a clear visual of a tornado in your mind, in reality, tornadoes are difficult to see because they are made of wind, which is invisible. It is only when the tornado forms a funnel of water droplets, dust, and debris that it takes on that iconic image we have become so familiar with from movies like Twister.
When is tornado season in Massachusetts?
Tornadoes are most likely to be a threat in our area in the summer months of June, July, and August, although they can happen at any time if the conditions are right. Tornadoes that occur in New England also tend to be relatively weaker storms—usually a 0 or 1 rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which measures the intensity of a tornado—and typically last only a few short (albeit frightening) moments. That being said, Massachusetts has been the site of several stronger tornadoes over the years. Three have registered ratings of 4 and 5 on the EF Scale, the latest of which ripped through Springfield and surrounding communities in 2011. And, as unlikely as it might seem, the first tornado ever recorded in America was a twister that hit Cambridge, Massachusetts, in July 1680.
What is a tornado watch versus a tornado warning?
When the National Weather Service issues a tornado watch, it means that tornadoes are possible based on the weather conditions. Typically, the agency will issue a tornado watch at least an hour in advance of anticipated risky weather so that people have time to plan what they will do if a tornado is spotted in the area. If a watch has been issued, you should:
- Be ready to get to a safe shelter immediately.
- Postpone any outdoor activities you have planned.
- Secure or bring inside any outdoor objects that could blow away or become dangerous projectiles if they are picked up by high winds.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions that could signal a tornado, including a dark, almost greenish sky; large hail; a large, dark, low-lying cloud; or a loud roar that sounds similar to a freight train.
Conversely, when a tornado warning is issued, it means the National Weather Service believes a tornado is imminent or that Doppler radar has indicated the presence of thunderstorm circulation that can spawn a tornado. If a warning is issued, there’s nothing more critical for you to do than get to safe shelter right away.
Whether a watch or a warning has been issued, it’s essential to keep up to date on any and all developments related to the storm. You can do so by tuning in to NOAA weather radio or your local news station for the latest tornado tracker information as well as any emergency instructions from public safety officials.
How can you prepare for a tornado?
As tornado season approaches, stay informed of potential severe storms by signing up for weather alerts on your cell phone. Additionally, if you don’t already have a family emergency plan, now is the time to create one. If you do already have a plan, be sure to review and practice it with your loved ones. Other preparations you can take include:
How do you stay safe if the area you’re in is under a tornado warning?
If a tornado warning is issued, the best course of action for you to take will depend on where you are at the time the warning is issued. If you’re in a residence or building, generally the safest areas are going to be the basement or storm cellar, where the walls and foundation are usually sturdier than in aboveground structures. These areas also typically offer better protection against flying debris and collapsing walls and have fewer windows, reducing the risk of shattered glass. Still, not every corner of the basement is equally safe or protected, so make sure to factor in structural integrity, accessibility, and ventilation when choosing a safe spot.
Some buildings don’t have a basement or cellar. When that’s the case, it is recommended that you take shelter in a windowless, small interior room, like a closet, or a hallway on the lowest floor. To further protect yourself, you may want to hide underneath a sturdy object, like a heavy table, or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag.
Finally, if you live in a mobile home or are caught outside or in your car when a tornado warning is issued, it’s important to know that none of these locations is a safe place to ride out these volatile storms. So, in these cases, it’s critical to seek out a shelter or stable building to take cover in.
What should you do after a tornado?
Once the tornado emergency has passed, there will still be many risks to be aware of and, unfortunately, probably a lot of cleanup and repairs to take care of as well. First and foremost, if anyone has been injured, it’s critical to get them proper medical assistance. Some of the other actions the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests you take after a tornado include:
- Continuing to monitor local media for emergency information and instructions from public safety officials.
- Letting friends and family know you’re okay.
- Reporting downed power lines, gas leaks, water main breaks, and other similar issues you find—and staying safely away from them.
- Keeping out of damaged buildings and areas, including your home, until authorities let you know it’s safe to enter.
Finally, while you might not immediately think to do so, it’s important to reach out to your insurance professional. In the aftermath of a tornado or other similar emergency, our goal at Gilbert Insurance is to alleviate some of the stress of the situation by supporting our clients in any way we can, which includes helping them gather the details to make their claim and making sure it goes as smoothly and quickly as possible. We also do our best to share storm information and severe weather alerts that may impact our community on our social media channels, so please make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Of course, you shouldn’t wait for a tornado or other serious storm to enlist our assistance. In fact, we highly recommend you reach out to one of our knowledgeable professionals today for a review of your home, car, business, and other insurance policies. We want you to have a thorough understanding of what damages might be covered if one of these events does occur and make sure you know about all the affordable options you can secure to broaden your protection if needed.
