UPDATE: Tornado watch issued for North Texas until Thursday night, says the NWS
The NWS Fort Worth TX issued an updated tornado watch at 5:54 p.m. on Thursday in effect until 9 p.m. The watch is for Bosque, Comanche, Coryell, Dallas, Eastland, Ellis, Erath, Hamilton, Hill, Hood, Johnson, Lampasas, McLennan, Mills, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Stephens and Tarrant counties.
This watch is in effect until 9 p.m.
Tips for staying safe during a tornado
To ensure your safety during a tornado, remember that acting promptly is crucial, according to the NWS. Stay informed about tornado watches and warnings through regular updates on local news or a NOAA Weather Radio.
• If you are indoors: If you find yourself under a tornado warning, immediately seek refuge in your basement, safe room, or an interior room without windows. If there's enough time, bring your pets with you.
• If you are at your workplace or school: Comply with your tornado drill procedures and head to the designated tornado shelter area. Steer clear of windows and avoid large open spaces like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
• If you are outside: In the face of an approaching tornado, find shelter within a sturdy building. Be aware that sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe alternatives.
• If you are in a vehicle: It is not safe to be in a vehicle during a tornado. The recommended action is to drive to the nearest shelter. If reaching a safe shelter is not possible, either crouch down in your car and cover your head, or leave your vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine.
Do you have an emergency kit ready in case of a tornado?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends keeping the following items in a basic disaster supplies kit:
• Water, one gallon per person for at least three days
• Food, at least a three-day supply
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Flashlight
• First-aid kit
• Whistle
• Dust mask to filter contaminated air
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape, for shelter purposes
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
Source: The National Weather Service
