It’s Summer! Watch the Weather.

Ahhh, spring. The season of baseball, hotdogs, a cold drink in the backyard…and wild evening thunderstorms that knock out power throughout the region. We’ve already had our first call to shelter in place this summer. Be on the look out for these, and heed the warnings.

Tornados commonly form during thunderstorms when warm air and cool air collide. During these thunderstorms, the cool air is pushed over the warm air (this produces the thunderstorm). The warmer air then rises, creating an updraft as it moves. If the wind gusts are strong enough as this happens it may result in the formation of a tornado.

Here are some response tips for you to follow in the case of a tornado provided by ready.gov:

• If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
• Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
• If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
• Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
• Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• If you cannot stay at home after a tornado, make plans to shelter with friends and family. If necessary, go to a public shelter. Shelters are taking precautions to protect people from COVID-19.

If you’re at the College and you notice on your phone, on NOVA’s Website or on the hallway TV Monitors to take shelter due to severe weather, immediately look for one of these signs and shelter in place until given the all-clear.

Visit https://www.ready.gov/severe-weather for more tips and information on severe weather preparedness.

Submitted by:
Kathy Thompson, Communications, KAThompson@nvcc.edu