×

Search

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. 

Every state is at some risk from this hazard. Some tornadoes are clearly visible, while rain or nearby low-hanging clouds obscure others. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that little, if any, advance warning is possible. Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. A cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.

West Liberty Kentucky March 2012. They do happen here, it's a matter of WHEN not if. Know what to do and have a plan in place. West Liberty is 50 air miles from Flatwoods.

Warning Sirens - What you need to know:

  • Siren is tested 1st Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m.
    (Unless severe weather is forecast for our area)
  • Test will last around (1) one minute
  • In an emergency - siren will sound for (3) Three Minutes.
  • In an emergency - the siren will repeat several times.
  • In an emergency - take shelter immediately
  • In an emergency - tune to TV - Radio - Weather Radio
    to find out further instructions.
  • Have a plan for your family - Don't wait until it's too late.
Green background with a white checkmark above the word 'Ready' in bold white font. Below it reads the slogan: 'Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed.'

Learn More Here!!

Learn more about tornadoes at ready.gov - this site will help you with your family plan before, during, and after a tornado.

Listen to Local Officials

Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.

Do you know the difference between a Watch & Warning?

A color-coded chart explaining the meanings of weather alerts: Red section labeled 'WARNING' – Indicates a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent, or likely. It means there is a threat to life or property and people in the affected area should take protective action. Orange section labeled 'WATCH' – Indicates conditions are favorable for a hazardous weather or hydrologic event, but the exact timing or occurrence is uncertain. People should prepare and stay alert, especially when planning travel or outdoor activities. Yellow section labeled 'ADVISORY' – Indicates a hazardous event is occurring, imminent, or likely but is less severe than a warning. It may still cause inconvenience or danger if precautions are not taken. Green section labeled 'OUTLOOK' – Indicates a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is possible in the next week. It is meant to raise awareness of potential significant weather that could lead to threats.