The Iowa Statewide Tornado Drill on Wednesday, March 29. A Test Tornado Watch will be issued at 10 a.m. for the entire state followed by the Test Tornado Warning around 10:30 a.m.
Severe weather can strike at any time in Iowa, making it important for all of us to be prepared to find the most secure shelter available no matter where we are. The statewide drill provides the Drake community with an opportunity to test their planning and readiness to be able to quickly seek appropriate shelter in case of a real severe weather emergency. By practicing and increasing readiness across the campus, Drake’s students, faculty, and staff can feel confident and prepared in the event of actual severe weather emergencies.
Tornado Facts:
- They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
- Funnel clouds usually last less than 10 minutes before dissipating, and many only last several seconds. On rare occasion, cyclones can last for over an hour.
- They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
- The average tornado moves southwest to northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
- The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 mph, but may vary from stationary to 70 mph.
- Damage paths of tornadoes can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long.
- Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can occur at any time.
Know the Terms:
Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a tornado hazard:
Tornado Watch—Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
Tornado Warning—A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.
If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately! Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head.
| If you are in: | Then: |
| A structure | Go to a pre-designated area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of a small interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. |
| In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. | |
| Put on sturdy shoes. | |
| Do not open windows. | |
| A manufactured home or office | Get out immediately and go to a pre-identified location such as the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. |
| Outside with no shelter | If you are not in a sturdy building, there is no single research-based recommendation for what last-resort action to take because many factors can affect your decision. Possible actions include: |
| Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park. | |
| Take cover in a stationary vehicle. Put the seat belt on and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat, or other cushion if possible. | |
| Lie in an area noticeably lower than the level of the roadway and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible. | |
| In all situations: | |
| Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. | |
| Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter. | |
| Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries. |
—Chris Nickell, Environmental Health and Safety