Test tornado drill set for March 28
Severe Weather Awareness Week begins March 26, and the National Weather Service will be conducting a test tornado drill on Wednesday, March 28.
Perkins County Emergency Manager Jim Brueggeman encourages everyone to take the opportunity to practice their tornado safety procedures at that time.
At 9 a.m. MT, the NWS will issue a statewide tornado watch, valid for one hour.
At 9:15 a.m., a tornado warning will be issued, valid for 20 minutes. Sirens will sound at this time.
The difference between a watch and a warning is severe weather during a watch is possible, and it’s inevitable during a warning. Residents should take shelter immediately when a warning is issued.
Perkins County has scheduled Advance Storm Spotter Training on Monday, March 26 at 7 p.m. at the Grant Fire Hall.
Myths and Facts
Myth—If it is not raining, then there is no danger from lightning.
Fact—Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from thunderstorm clouds.
Myth—Structures with metal or metal on the body attract lightning.
Fact—Height, pointy shape and isolation are the dominant factors controlling where a lightning bolt will strike.
Myth—Lightning never strikes the same place twice.
Fact—Lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially if it is a tall, pointy and isolated object.
Myth—The rubber soles of the shoes or rubber tires on a car will protect you from being struck by lightning.
Fact—Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide no protection from lightning. The metal frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are inside and not touching metal.
Myth—Overpasses are safe shelters when a tornado strikes.
Fact—Overpasses are NOT safe! They can concentrate the wind, causing it to be stronger. People have been killed and injured taking shelter under an overpass.
Myth—Low pressure with a tornado causes buildings to explode. Open a window before taking shelter.
Fact—Opening a window attempting to equalize pressure has no effect. Move to a safe area immediately!
Myth—An approaching tornado will always be visible.
Fact—While most have a visible funnel, it is not always the case. Tornadoes can be hidden by trees and terrain, or may even be wrapped in rain!
Myth—Rivers, lakes and mountains will protect you from a tornado.
Fact—No terrain is safe from a tornado and they can cross bodies of water. Every major river east of the Rockies has been crossed by a significant tornado. High elevations in the Appalachians, Rockies, and Sierra Nevada have all experienced tornadoes.
Myth—Larger vehicles are safe to drive through flood waters.
Fact—Rushing water of 12-18 inches can carry most vehicles away, including SUVs and pickups.
Myth—Flash floods mainly occur in the eastern United States.
Fact—Flash floods have and can occur in all 50 states.