The National Weather Service, in cooperation with the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, has proclaimed the week of February 26th through March 4th as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Arkansas.
A different topic will be discussed each day, and todays topic is tornadoes.
In 2022, 39 tornadoes were counted in Arkansas. In an average year, 37 tornadoes are expected in the state. The peak seasons for tornadoes are spring and fall. This is when warm and cold air masses collide most often. In 2022, the busiest month was November with 16 tornadoes identified in Arkansas.
The strongest tornado of 2022 (rated EF3 and maximum winds around 145 mph) tracked about five miles from Johnson to Springdale (both in Washington County) on March 30th. Seven people were injured.
Monster tornadoes like this are rare. From 2000 through 2022, only twenty nine other tornadoes were rated as high as the one on March 30th. During this twenty three year time frame, 891 tornadoes were spawned locally, and 83 percent of them (737 tornadoes) were weak (rated EF0 or EF1). These weak twisters accounted for only 3 fatalities.
...Outdoor Tornado Sirens...
Many towns and counties in Arkansas have acquired outdoor warning sirens to alert the public when tornadoes threaten. When these sirens are kept in proper working order, they do their job as expected and help warn the public.
While Tornado Warnings often cause the sirens to blow, the National Weather Service does not have any control over the sirens. The decision to blow the sirens is made by designated city or county officials.
...What You Can Do to Protect Yourself - Tornado Safety Rules...
One of the newer safety rules is to avoid taking shelter under a highway overpass. Rotating winds surrounding a tornado can hit you with a lot of debris, and blow you out from beneath the bridge.
Be sure you know the difference between a watch and a warning.
The National Weather Service issues a Tornado Watch when tornadoes are possible. A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado has been indicated on Doppler Weather Radar or has been sighted.
Counties and cities are mentioned in Tornado Warnings. If you are new to the area, keep a map handy for reference. Make sure that you have a reliable way to receive weather information. Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radios are an excellent way to keep up with the weather, even if your power has gone out.
If you are going to be at a large gathering, such as at a school, stadium or place of worship, make sure that someone is keeping an eye on the weather.
A tornado shelter, tornado cellar, or a safe room is the safest place to be, but these are not found in most homes. The next safest place is usually a basement, but these are not common in Arkansas. If you do not have any of these, go to an interior room on the lowest floor of a house or building. Put as many walls between you and the outdoors as possible.
Many businesses, such as large stores, shopping malls, hospitals, nursing homes, and schools have pre-arranged safety plans and designated safe areas. If you are in one of these places, follow the instructions given inside these buildings.
If you are in a vehicle, your best option is to move to a sturdy building.
Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection during a tornado, and should be abandoned.
Keep in mind that the elderly, the very young, and people with physical or mental challenges will often need more time to get to safety. Make special provisions if you are a care-giver for these people.