Baltimore, Maryland – As severe storm systems begin ramping up across the United States, emergency officials say Maryland residents should review tornado safety plans now before the peak of spring severe weather arrives.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), tornado activity typically increases across the country during spring as warm, moisture-rich air collides with colder weather systems moving in from the west. While Maryland experiences fewer tornadoes than states in the central Plains, the Mid-Atlantic still sees several tornadoes each year, some capable of producing damaging winds and structural damage.
Communities including Baltimore, Annapolis, Frederick, Hagerstown and Salisbury can all experience tornado-producing storms when powerful weather systems move through the region. Tornadoes in the Mid-Atlantic often form quickly within strong thunderstorms, sometimes giving residents only minutes to react once warnings are issued.
NOAA urges residents to identify a safe shelter location inside homes, workplaces or schools before severe weather develops. The safest place during a tornado is a basement or storm cellar, where people should move immediately when a warning is issued.
If a basement is not available, experts recommend sheltering in a small interior room on the lowest floor, such as a bathroom, closet or hallway. Residents should stay away from windows, exterior walls and large open rooms like gyms or living rooms with wide roofs that could collapse in strong winds.
Mobile homes and vehicles are especially dangerous during tornadoes. People in those locations should move to a sturdy building or designated storm shelter well ahead of approaching storms.
NOAA also advises having multiple ways to receive warnings, including Wireless Emergency Alerts on smartphones, NOAA Weather Radio and local broadcast alerts.
Taking a few minutes now to plan where to go and how to receive warnings can make a life-saving difference as severe weather threats increase during the spring months across Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic.
